National League One: Wharfedale 10 Hull Ionians 18

WHARFEDALE'S relegation after 20 years in the third tier of English rugby was confirmed at The Avenue on Saturday.

And as they contemplated life in National League Two North, rivals Hull Ionians were celebrating avoiding the drop.

Wharfedale have had narrow escapes before  but it was still a bitter pill to swallow.

They worked hard throughout this game and seemed to have played themselves into a winning position until the last few minutes.

Dale had the better of the first half but Hull benefited from a very high penalty count and converted two shots to lead 6-0.

Dale again played the better rugby well into the second half and looked the fitter side.

Because of foul play from Edward Falkingham just before half time, Hull started the second half with 14 men.

The home side  scored a penalty, kicked by Jamie Guy, before Hull were restored to 15 men.

Then the Green machine attacked and penalties were awarded against Hull on their own line.

With advantage played, Dale went on to score after a lovely move in the centre put Cameron Hudson over. Jamie Guy added the extras and the crowd roared.

But Wharfedale were heavily penalised from here on, and the result was a yellow card to Wharfedale’s Josh Burridge and two tries to Hull.

A converted penalty try and then a try by Joseph Makin in the corner sealed Wharfedale's fate.