Wharfedale 34 Luctonians 15

WHARFEDALE shrugged off the handicap of having George Hedgley sent off in the first ten minutes to record a much-needed National Two North win.

He departed during an eventful start to the game which saw Luctonians’ James Scott yellow carded for a reckless challenge on Hedgley direct from the kick off.

The Greens were unable to take advantage of their extra man and fell behind when Hedgley departed.

Luctonians used the ensuing penalty to force an attacking line-out. A good catch and drive saw Sebastian Robinson-Hall go over for a try.

Sam Boxhall missed the conversion but added a penalty to make it 8-0.

The game changer came after 25 minutes with a Dale scrum on halfway. Joel Gill added his weight to the seven-man pack and the Greens won a penalty.

Tom Barrett pushed the visitors deep into their 22 as the pressure mounted.

Dale opted for a scrum when they were awarded a penalty five-metres out.

A succession of scrum penalties followed, with Luctonians receiving their second yellow card for Piers Morrell’s high tackle on Phil Woodhead.

James Tyson forced his way over the line for a try which Tom Barrett converted.

The Green Machine attacked again and went ahead just before half-time with Robbie Davidson finishing off a good handling move. Barrett added the extras for a 14-8 lead.

Wharfedale started the second half a little nervously and Luctonians scored after a cheeky break from their scrum half, Sam Boxhall. He nearly made the line himself, but Louis Silver was on hand to grab the score. Boxhall’s conversion edged Luctonians ahead.

Despite a poor restart and a handling error, Wharfedale started to camp in Luctonians half.

A clearance kick was run back by Robbie Davidson who linked with Charlie Graham, but a foot in touch saved the visitors.

New boy, Rhys Lovegrove became an increasing threat with his running and was involved in the move which produced Wharfedale’s third try.

Lovegrove set up good ruck ball on half way before Barrett timed his pass perfectly to set Kieran Frost free. The forward showed good awareness as he put Oliver Cicognini in for a converted try.

Luctonians were finding it difficult to get out of their own half and a turnover resulted in Wharfedale scoring the bonus-point try.

A well-constructed move featuring Joe Altham, Barrett, Woodhead and Frost was expertly finished off by Charlie Graham who beating two players before touching down.

Barrett added the extras and kicked two drop goals in the last 10 minutes to put the win beyond doubt.

Rhys Ward, Frost, Richard Rhodes, Adam Howard and James Tyson impressed in the pack while centre Graham had his best game for the club.

Wharfedale: Mann (Lovegrove 35), R Davidson, Graham, Joel Gill, Cicognini (Mann 80); Barrett, Woodhead; Asejevs (Altham 35), Stockdale (Larkin 66), Ward (Asejevs 74), Howard (Jim Mason 62, Graham 80), Rhodes, Frost, Tyson, Hedgley.