Having been the object of some criticism before Christmas for his lack of discipline, Wharfedale skipper Rob Baldwin is now receiving bouquets rather than brickbats over his self-control.

The No 8 had his face stamped on at Stourbridge on Saturday but let referee John Meredith deal with it.

“Two or three months ago, Rob would have been yellow-carded or even red-carded in that incident,” said Wharfedale coach Tom McGee.

“He would have been chasing the player all over the pitch.

“But, although he is not the finished article yet, it just shows how Rob is maturing as a player.

“He is heading in the right direction and is now bringing discipline, as well as belief and passion, to the team.”

The 30-15 victory in the Midlands was another fine National League One performance by the Greens but was completely different in character.

McGee said: “We had to dig deep in the first half, particularly when we went down to 14 men and had to hold them out for ten minutes.

“But a turning point was when we turned over a scrummage despite being a man down – that was such a confidence booster.

“And then we scored two fantastic tries just before half-time which completely changed my interval team talk.

“Ben Hooper and the pack are doing well, and the guys that are coming on to the pitch are doing well.

“Also there are players in the Foresters that are pushing for a place, which is fantastic.”

As for the change in the Dalesmen’s fortunes before Christmas and after, McGee said: “We always said we were a good side but it a question of getting those fine margins going in your favour.

“Now that is happening, although we are working hard to try and get those margins in our favour. Also belief and confidence are such important things.”

Wharfedale have an unchanged starting 15 at home to Sedgley Park on Saturday, when, for the second successive week, they have the opportunity to complete a double, having won 27-19 at Park Lane in October.

Prop Mark Chivers has been loaned to Morley, and his place on the bench is taken by Adam Mason.

Wharfedale (home to Sedgley Park): A Whaites; J Druce, C Malherbe, A Hodgson, S Horsfall; T Barrett, P Woodhead; C Steel, S Graham, B Hooper, T Vaioleti, A Allen, D Hughes, R Baldwin, D Solomi. Replacements: A Mason, I Larkin, R Rhodes, R Brown, T Davidson.