Sedgley Park 43 Wharfedale 30

THERE was words of sympathy from Sedgley Park supporters as Wharfedale remained bottom of National Two North after another defeat.

“You do not play like a relegation side,” was the message of hope that was offered to the Green Machine after their latest disappointment.

There were periods when Wharfedale dominated the match and had many positives to build on. There was not the usual procession of tries from the opponents in the first part of the game.

Wharfedale actually started well with full back Tom Mann and forward Adam Howard making strong tackles.

Despite the resilience, Park opened the scoring after seven minutes with an unconverted try by hooker Daniel Maher.

Dale hit back with two penalties from Tom Barrett to take the lead and went close to a try after a powerful charge by second row Kieran Frost.

Sedgley’s Mark Goodman finished off a good move to grab another unconverted try before a poor pass was easily intercepted by Stephen Collins on half way before outpacing the defence to score a try which he converted.

Barrett's third penalty meant Dale turned round facing a 19-9 deficit.

A golden chance to close the gap was squandered in the opening minute of the second half. Oli Cicognini carved out the opportunity with a beautiful grubber kick, but his pass to Stevie Graham was knocked on with the line begging.

Sedgley Park were making the most of their chances and when Dale failed to protect the ball, Callum McShane seized the chance to run 60 metres and score under the posts. Collins tagged on the conversion.

The lead was extended when Harrison Brown Raw went over the whitewash for another unconverted try.

Wharfedale were rewarded for their efforts when debutant Charlie Graham capitalised on a good run and kick from Ben Parkinson to score a try which Barrett converted.

Sedgley Park made the game safe with two more tries from Jamie Harrison sand Matthew Riley with Collins adding a conversion.

Wharfedale didn't give up the fight. When a maul rumbled forward Howard was awarded a try which Barrett converted.

The score gave Wharfedale fresh heart and they were soon celebrating a third try when Frost crashed over from a line-out. Barret again landed the conversion.

Wharfedale went searching for the bonus-point try but were unable to break open the defence again.

Archie Hancock and Tom Mann had solid games at scrum half and full back while Frost added strength and speed to the pack.

Newcomer Charlie Graham impressed as a substitute while Howard and George Hedgley made big contributions in the pack.

The biggest issue for Wharfedale was their lack of organisation which was exploited by Sedgley Park with their excellent short passing and offloading.

However, there were positives to build on .

Wharfedale; Tom Mann; Ben Parkinson, Joel Gill (Charlie Graham 51), Tom Davidson, Oli Cicognini; Tom Barrett, Archie Hancock; Joe Altham (Toms Asejevs 55), Ian Larkin (c) (Dan Stockdale 40), Reece Ward (Joe Altham 70), Richard Rhodes, Kieran Frost, Adam Howard (Stevie Graham 40), Chris Swainson (Adam Howard 60), George Hedgley Replacement not used Tom Whyte