Yorkshire Division Three: Wensleydale 14 Baildon 32

BAILDON almost scored from their first meaningful attack, Matty Robinson chasing well when Wensleydale full back James Ashford spilled JJ O'Connell's towering kick, Harrison Strauss regaining possession before O'Connell almost scored after an outrageous dummy, losing the ball over the line.

However, the visitors, who had lost their previous two matches. secured the ball at the subsequent line-out, and the forwards went through the phases for Danny Pollard to score, which made a pleasant change from them conceding the first try.

Scott Hunter's penalty reduced the lead but they knocked on at the next play, giving Robinson the chance to kick through for O'Connell to collect and convert his try from the touchline.

But the hosts took advantage of Baildon being penalised for not retreating ten metres at a penalty, kicking for touch for lock Ollie Metcalfe to score after some good ball retention.

Baildon bounced back, however, with Will Craven going close and Luke Strauss ending a promising move by knocking on.

Wensleydale then threatened themselves, but Luke Strauss intercepted and half the pitch to score against the run of play, putting Baildon 17-8 in front at the interval.

Matty Dixon and James Fox had chances for the visitors early in the second half but the penalty count was mounting against Baildon, who had Andy Magee sin-binned by referee John Taylor (East Riding) for failing to release a tackled player.

Wensleydale reduced the arrears with two penalties to Baildon's one, but the latter secured the four-try bonus point when Luke Strauss showed his strength after re-gathering O'Connell's chip ahead.

With Wensleydale's heads starting to go down, the direct running of Josh Strauss and Fox tied up home defenders for O'Connell to get his second try, also adding the conversion.

Baildon, whose man of the match was Pollard, then defended their line to close out the game.