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Colts	Under 17s	Under 16s	Under 15s	Under 14s	Under 13s
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UNDER 17'S

2011 / 2012 SEASON

8/4/12 Hartlepool Rovers 24 Wharfedale 5 - NATIONAL BOWL REGIONAL FINAL

The Junior Colts fine run of results came to an end on Sunday when they travelled to Hartlepool for the National Bowl Regional final in front of a large crowd.

Straight from the kick off the home side showed their intent by applying pressure at the breakdown and intensity in defence to thwart any Wharfedale advances. It was Rovers who scored first within ten minutes and with a penalty and further converted try soon afterwards, The Greens appeared shell shocked. As in previous matches though Wharfedale began to find their feet and started to build the phases, maintaining possession for large periods of the game. The Greens first clear break fell to Jake Cawthorne following some excellent rucking but was superbly tackled just before the whitewash. The first half ended with Wharfedale 17-0 down and with a mountain to climb looking vulnerable in defence and finding it very hard work to find gaps in attack.

The second half was better for Wharfedale who were now increasing possession and territory through hard work from the pack but were still unable to break through. Jack Hirst, Sam Smith and James Meehan in particular were outstanding but with every ball won and retained it seemed simple handling errors in the backs meant the scorers were untroubled. If Wharfedale were to get back in the game then an early score was required however this just wasn't to be as Rovers touched down against the run of play. The Greens went down fighting though as a number of scrums won against the head and a series of penalties close to the Rovers twenty two allowed Chris Loadman to score a trademark try with the final play of the game.

Credit must go to both teams for a full bloodied exciting game worthy of a final.

25/3/12 Wharfedale 60 Middlesbrough 24

Yorkshire Under 17’s First division team Middlesbrough travelled to the Avenue for the 2nd round of the Yorkshire cup last Sunday; on paper, the visitors, being two leagues above the Greens should have run out the clear winners; what transpired was altogether different. The Greens were fired up for the match and the first 10 minutes saw an even exchange with neither team giving any ground; the breakthrough came from a secured line out 10 yards from the Middlesbrough line for a forwards drive to allow Hooker Harris Edwards to put down and put the home side in front. Throughout the remainder of the first half; the Home side never looked back, producing one of their best team performances of the season. A similar drive by the Wharfedale pack, allowed Edwards to get his second before some excellent interplay between Centre Joe Slater and No. 8 Sam Smith allowed Fullback Harris Catley to score Wharfedale’s third try. A characteristic through run and try from Second row Simon Borrill capped an excellent first half with the Greens hungry to secure the victory.

This, in effect was their undoing and the second half could not have been more different; thinking the game was in the bag, after going 36-0 up, through further tries from Catley and flanker George Jowitt; the Greens started to relax and lose concentration. Middlesbrough, to their credit, did not give up and responded with two tries leaving the home side napping on both occasions. The Greens did respond through a further try from Sam Macha but this was countered by two further tries from the visitors; putting Middlesbrough within only 3 scores of catching Wharfedale. Inspired by prop Jack Hirst to raise their game; the home side duly complied with the Greens running in further tries from Winger Sam Blakely and Centre Luke Sumnall. The icing on the cake came in the last 5 minutes when a “burst from Hirst” down the wing, coupled with an excellent off load, allowed Borrill to seal the victory and set up a quarter final fixture for the Greens.

18/3/12 Wharfedale 20 Moortown 19  - national cup regional semi final

The coaches and supporters alike witnessed one of the closest fought matches of the season, for the Wharfedale Under 17’s, last Sunday.

A semi-final fixture against Moortown in the regional leg of the National Cup was scheduled, on what turned out to be a glorious afternoon at The Avenue. The fixture, almost abandoned because the visitors could not raise a squad, eventually went ahead when the visitors, not wanting to concede the tie managed to travel with a full complement of players..just. Moortown; enjoying a good season in the league above the Wharfedale Under 17’s, demonstrated their quality from the opening kick-off.

The Moortown backs were a class act, forcing the Greens on the defensive for the first 10 minutes. The Wharfedale pack then started to assert themselves; forcing a number of errors from the visitors and allowing the Home side to make some forays into the Moortown half. The visitors; however, had a quick riposte and their fast winger managed to evade a number of Wharfedale tackles and put down under the post. Most of the play for the remainder of the first half was in the Moortown half but a good clearance from the visitors Fly-Half, followed by a fortunate bounce allowed the Moortown opposite wing to seize the opportunity for the visitors second try of the match. Whatever was said to the Greens at the break seemed to have an effect; a forwards drive by the Home side paid dividends for No. 8 Sam Smith to peel off from behind the maul to put down for Wharfedale’s first try. A quick response from the visitors put the Greens 5-19 down, with a large uphill task then staring them in the face.

Several years ago, the heads would have dropped but with maturity now on their sides, the Under 17’s persevered with the task in hand. A quick penalty put the home side within two scores of Moortown at 8-19; the first of these arriving from a great move by the backs for Winger Tom Kennedy to put down in the corner. This, unfortunately was not converted leaving the home side 6 points adrift. The clock was not on the Greens side and the visitors were happy to let this run down but an altercation between the teams and a moment of madness by the visitors No. 8, saw this infringement incur a yellow card with the scrum to the visitors, reversed to a penalty to Wharfedale. This was taken quickly and the Greens winger Sam Blackley managed to weave a way through to put down under the posts; the last play of the match was the conversion by Full Back Harris Catley to put the home side in front…by one point; securing a regional final tie against Hartlepool and a firm belief in knowing never to give up.

12/3/12 YORK 15 Wharfedale 37

The Wharfedale Junior Colts travelled to York with a number of first team players missing for the first round of the Yorkshire Cup to face a quality 2nds side.

Straight from the kick off York pressurised Wharfedale at every breakdown, and in the heat of a balmy Sunday afternoon The Greens knew it would be a tough game. George Jowitt, with a trademark canter to break the gain line, released some pressure which resulted in a penalty that Harris Catley duly converted. York fought back hard and were awarded a penalty themselves to level the scores. The home side continued their attacking intent and it was only a try saving last man tackle from Joe Slater that kept the scores level. A deserved converted try for York soon followed though as reward for some good open play. Joe Slater slotted a drop goal minutes before the half time whistle to keep The Greens in the game at 10-6 down.

After some stern words from the coaches during the break Wharfedale came out a like a different team. Four unanswered tries in twenty minutes killed the game off to show how this team can really play when needed. Sam Smith started the scoring spree following a rolling maul from the York twenty two. James Davey repeated the act as the pack turned on the style once again with another quality maul. Simon Borrill registered a further try breaking off the back of yet another maul, and with George Jowitt touching down for another it was almost game over. York managed to get a consolation try towards the end of the game but Wharfedale finished the game off with a Tom Kennedy try after winning turnover ball. Harris Catley converted three of the tries in the second half to cap a fine personal all round performance.

4/3/12 Wharfedale 14 Blaydon 12

Wharfedale entertained Blaydon from the North East & Cumbria league in the quarter finals of the National Bowl on Sunday in what turned out to be a very close encounter indeed.

Playing on the first team pitch and with slippery conditions under foot ensured neither side could break the shackles to score freely. The Greens started the first half in dominant fashion with George Jowitt providing the spark and it looked as if the home side would rack up many points but the big Blaydon defence stood strong. In a rare excursion out to the wing Simon Borrill came close to scoring but was bundled into touch just short of the try line. Wharfedale continued to build phases with relentless rucking from the pack of Jack Hirst, Will Collins, James Meehan and Harris Edwards but eventually ran out of steam against their heavy opposing numbers to ensure the half remained scoreless.

Wharfedale began the second half much in the same vein as the first, however this time a turnover from Blaydon after a rare foray into The Greens half resulted in a converted try against the run of play. A further unconverted try from Blaydon following a charge-down meant that Wharfedale needed to dig deep to get anything out of the game at 0-12 down.

Replacement scrum half Sam Stockdale came on to make an immediate impact with more urgency at the ruck leading to a number of promising attacking phases and w ith only fifteen minutes left Harris Edwards stole the ball in a maul, off-loaded to Simon Borrill who out-paced the Blaydon back line to score under the posts. The conversion from Harris Catley made the score 7-12 and kept Wharfedale within reach of an unlikely come back. Straight from the restart Wharfedale pounded the tiring Blaydon forwards eventually creating a gap for Sam Blakely to capitalise on and touch down near the corner to level the scores.

Harris Catley coolly slotted the conversion from out wide under pressure to edge Wharfedale in front. Blaydon fought back hard in the final two minutes with a series of penalties deep in the Wharfedale half but critically squandered possession with the final play of the game and The Greens kicked into to touch to end a desperately close hard fought win.

 

19/2/12 Wharfedale 29 North Ribblesdale 5

After a prolonged layoff due to bad weather, local adversaries Wharfedale and North Ribblesdale Under 17’s met on Sunday for a return league fixture at The Avenue.

The 12:30 kick off was not late enough for the 2nd team pitch to completely thaw after the overnight frost; hence both teams were shipped over to Wood Lane to begin the usual closely fought encounter between these two teams. From the kick off the Greens meant business; the forwards started to dominate in the scrums and it wasn’t long before forward pressure from a line out allowed Hooker Harris Edwards to drive through the North Ribb defence to touch down for Wharfedale’s first try. All the play for the first 15 minutes was in the North Ribb half; with the Wharfedale forwards dominating at the line outs; the Greens would play for position by kicking to touch and then the forwards secure the ball. This style of play allowed the backs to get involved in the game with Flanker George Jowitt securing the ball at a breakdown and offloading to Winger Sam Blakely to put down in the corner. Blakely then got his second from a quick tap and go, catching the North Ribb defence unawares to again touch down just before the break to put The Greens 17-0 up.

The second half started in the same vein with pressure from the Greens and excellent defending from North Ribb with the visitors often turning over the ball at the breakdown. A clearance kick was picked up by Jowitt with an excellent offload to Centre Scott Rogers to show some pace down the wing for Wharfedale’s 4th try. What then followed was an excellent phase of open play with some excellent interchanges between the Wharfedale backs, culminating in a well-deserved try for Jowitt. North Ribb replied with a try of their own but it was a case of too little too late and the Greens finished what was a convincing win against their local rivals.

22/1/12 Wharfedale 20 Penrith 10

The Wharfedale Under 17's had a looming, match-free, Sunday after their scheduled league opposition cancelled earlier in the week; an Under 17's side from Penrith stepped into the breach and agreed to travel down to The Avenue for a friendly against the Greens.

Squad numbers for the Wharfedale Under 17's were high and they hence had the luxury of fielding what, in essence, were separate teams for the two halves of the game. On such a blustery day the “Wharfedale wind” played a big part in the game; indeed all the points were registered with the wind at the try scorers backs. Like the majority of the Under 17's matches, the first 10 minutes are spent sizing up the opposition; this match was no exception. It was, in fact Penrith who were applying the early pressure; this paid dividends and the visitors went 5-0 up after 15 mins; a further breakaway try from Penrith saw the Greens finish 0-10 down at half time.

The home side were undeterred and after making wholesale changes to the line-up, they started applying pressure on the Penrith line; Captain Jack Kitching who was having a great game, deservedly secured the first try for Wharfedale; this was very much a forwards try with several phases of re-cycling the ball, resulting in a pick-up and drive try from Jack. The Wharfedale backs, looking to get onto the scoreboard, levelled the score with a breakaway try from winger Sam Blakely; using his speed to outpace the Penrith backs. Penrith were spirited and did not give up but the Wharfedale pack was proving too strong and started to dominate in the scrums and at the breakdowns; this resulted in two further tries from Sam Smith and Simon Borrill to push the Greens to more than a converted try in front.

The remainder of the match was even with no further scores resulting in a good home win for the Greens against good opposition and hopefully setting the teams up for a re-match at Penrith.

15/1/12 Hull Ionians 10 Wharfedale 25

Top of the table Wharfedale travelled to Hull who themselves were lying third, for an eagerly anticipated fixture.

The Greens intentions were clear from the off as they pounded the big Hull pack at the breakdown and with the opportunity of a penalty early on, Harris Catley duly obliged to register the points. A period of tense build up play followed with the Wharfedale front row dominant, building through the phases and applying pressure on the Hull 22. Possession and territory paid dividends as a decisive scrum won against the head allowed Chris Loadman to sidestep his way to five points with Catley again securing the conversion. A further penalty from the metronomic boot of Catley put the Junior Colts in a commanding position before half time. The home side though finished the half strongly and were awarded a series of penalties, one of which was converted to close out the half 13-3 to Wharfedale.

Any thoughts of a Hull fightback in the second half were quashed as one of the tries of the season for The Greens demonstrated an abundance of quality and flair starting with another dominant scrum won against the head. Joe Slater received the pass but becoming increasingly isolated and under pressure put a perfectly weighted cross field kick into the grateful arms of Harris Catley sprinting at full steam towards the try line.

A brief riposte secured a converted try for Hull but Wharfedale were unstoppable today as Jack Hirst crashed through the gain line offloading to Sam Blakeley who in turn evaded a number of tackles to offload to Luke Sumnall to finish under the posts. A Harris Catley conversion and further penalty put a gloss on a fine performance from the team.

 

8/1/12 Selby 12 Wharfedale 34

Selby welcomed the Wharfedale Junior Colts in a friendly fixture that provided plenty of good rugby with perfect preparation for a series of league matches in the following weeks.

Wharfedale started the game the brighter with a number of promising attacking scrums and lineouts won against the head in the Selby half and it wasn't long before Chris Loadman touched down for the first try. Selby hit back almost immediately with a well worked try but Wharfedale's front row were just too strong at the breakdown eventually leading to a further two tries. Harris Catley finished a good move in the corner, and then Scott Rogers touched down after a number of controlled phases.

The second half continued much in the same vein as Wharfedale dominated the set plays with Luke Sumnall and Simon Borrill in particular ensuring possession and territory were maintained. Further tries, one from a trademark drive by Jack Kitching and two from a marauding James Meehan put the visitors out of sight.

 

27/11/11 North Ribblesdale 12 Wharfedale 18

An eagerly anticipated fixture for both teams lived up to expectations with a tight and tense affair made even more so with Wharfedale top and Ribb lying third in the league.

The Greens, having a 100% record so far this season oozed confidence, however it was Ribb who started the game the brighter having a fair amount of possession and territory but critically no points to show for it. Wharfedale made Ribb pay for their lack of incision with a lineout won against the head from The Greens 22 and a break from Sam Goodfellow causing problems in their first attack. A penalty resulted, and with a cool Harris Catley kick in testing conditions the deadlock was broken. This stirred Wharfedale into life with the forward pack, led by Jack Hirst, exerting pressure at the breakdown leading to a lightning break by Will Pickles to run in from 50 metres and touch down in the corner. Another pressure kick from Catley close to the touchline converted the score to make it a deserved 0-10 at half time.

North Ribblesdale fought back in the second half with a try under the posts, however a failure to convert left the home side with an uphill battle. Superb tackling from Sam Smith and Simon Borrill to keep Ribb at bay in defence, a further try from Harris Catley and a penalty should have put the game away but a dubiously awarded try to Ribb made the scoreline too close for comfort.

 

20/11/11 Wharfedale 38 Cleckheaton 15

For a little light relief from the league fixtures, Cleckheaton were invited to The Avenue for a friendly game against the Wharfedale Under 17’s.

Although a league below Wharfedale; Cleckheaton gave a good account of themselves, despite having a reduced squad with no substitutes available; the final score was not really representative of the close encounter. The first 10 minutes was very much even with neither team giving much ground with no pressure on either line. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when the secured ball from a scrum 20 yards from the Cleckheaton line was passed along the backs for winger Sam Blakely but unfortunately we were unable to score. Sam did however score with a further two excellent tries in the first half, outpacing the Cleckheaton backs with his blistering pace. An excellent solo run from Fly half Chris Loadman to put down under the posts, capped a good first half for the Greens.

The game, however, was by no means one sided with the visitors responding with two tries of their own to close the gap to 24-10 at half time in Wharfedale’s favour. The large squad for Wharfedale, even with two players on County duty, enabled a large team replacement for the second half; this followed a similar pattern with Simon Borrill; normally in the Second row, getting his name on the score sheet, playing on the wing. Sam Blakely, then added to his tally of three tries with his fourth and Wharfedale’s last try of the day before a final response from Cleckheaton to close the gap with their final try from a forwards drive.

This capped a good clean game, setting both teams up for league opposition the following Sunday.

 

30/10/11 Bridlington 12 Wharfedale 33

Wharfedale's Junior Colts travelled to the east coast hoping to maintain their 100% winning record this season against a strong Bridlington squad. The long journey for the greens didn't show as straight from the kick off Wharfedale maintained a high intensity at the breakdown and in attack. Sam Blakeley got the scoresheet moving with a fantastic solo effort weaving through a sea of Bridlington shirts.

Further pressure from the restart allowed Jake Cawthorne to take a great catch from a high kick out of the Bridlington twenty two allowing Luke Sumnall to extend the lead. The home side's powerful forward pack began to fight back and with the Wharfedale's defence finally giving way, Bridlington closed the gap. The Greens riposte was swift and clinical as Sam Blakeley scored his second, and Sam Goodfellow touched down after selling an outrageous dummy following some excellent team work to keep the ball alive at pace.

ContinuingWharfedale's dominance in the second half, Joe Slater glided through to score following a penalty conceded by the home side close to the ten metre line. Credit must go to Bridlington as they ended the game pressurising The Greens defensive line, eventually scoring in the corner for a consolation try.

Notable performances from Chris Loadman, controlling the game from fly half, Harris Edwards and James Davey for ceaseless marauding and Sam Smith for exceptional tackling, along with Harris Catley converting four out five, ensured an emphatic Wharfedale win.

25/09/11 Otley 0 Wharfedale 14

 

On paper, this local encounter away at league rivals Otley; should have been the most testing match of the season for the Wharfedale Junior Colts; what transpired did not fall short of expectations.

Playing on the first team pitch; early possession and territory was split evenly with neither side giving much away. After 10 mins; pressure from the Wharfedale pack forced an early penalty within kicking distance; Harris Catley converted to break the deadlock. A dangerous tackle shortly after, on Wharfedale's Fly Half, Chris Loadman resulted in a sin binning for the Otley No. 12 and a further penalty; pushing the scoreline to 6-0 in the Greens favour.

The final 15 minutes of the half saw the Greens under assault from a sustained period of attack from the Otley backs; fully testing the Wharfedale line with the forwards, quickly assisting after the breakdowns, in defence. Territory and possession was over 80% in Otley's favour during the second quarter but the home side didn't managed to capitalise on the penalties given, preferring to run the ball in, enabling Wharfedale to keep a clean sheet at half time through some stoic defending.

The second half was a more even affair with neither side troubling the opposite line for the first 20 minutes; the Wharfedale forwards began to dominate in the scrums and breakdowns with some excellent pick-ups and drives from Hooker Harris Edwards and No. 8 Sam Smith. What followed was then a text book try, drilled into the Greens at training; with the forwards securing the ball at a scrum 10 metres out; this was passed along the back line for Fullback Sam Blakely to run a direct line, for a try, to give the Greens some breathing space.

This was capped by a final penalty in the last minute to secure an emphatic away win for the Greens and to maintain their 100% league record.

 

11/09/11 Wharfedale 60 Old Brods 0

The first game of a new season and in league competition saw The Greens post a comfortable win against a team that had provided tough opposition in previous seasons. The Wharfedale front row of Harris Edwards, Jack Hirst and Will Collins imposed themselves early on starving the visitors of any possession and with pressure on the opposing pack produced a penalty opportunity, duly converted by Harris Catley in testing conditions.

Jack Kitching added to the total evading a number of tacklers following some impressive pick and drives. James Meehan secured a further try touching down after winning a scrum against the head close to the Old Brods twenty two. A rare excursion into the home sides half was short lived as a long kick deep into opponents' territory was followed up with another scrum won against the head which Harris Catley finished in the corner. With the hard work now done Wharfedale maintained ball possession with quality rucking but without producing the end result.

Wharfedale stuck to the game plan in the second half with dividends paying early on as James Davey touched down after a scintillating run from Sam Blakely and a pick and drive by Will Collins getting to within ten metres of the try line.

Chris Loadman continued his great form of previous seasons as a perfectly weighted grubber kick allowed Luke Sumnall to run on and score in the corner for his second of the match. Harris Edwards and Will Pickles finished the rout to complete a very satisfactory start to the season.

2010 / 2011 SEASON (under 16's)

10/4/11 North Ribblesdale 36 - Wharfedale 29

 

For what is generally classed as the local derby for Wharfedale; the Under 16's travelled across to Settle on Sunday for their last match, before their tour, against North Ribb.

A glorious day for the players and spectators alike set the scene for what is generally a close game between the two teams. Early exchanges proved the point, with the Greens dominating in the scrums but the home sides counter rucking proving very effective. Neither side gave much ground; the deadlock was broken, however, after 10 minutes from a scrum 15 yards from the North Ribb line, with Hooker Harris Edwards carrying a loose ball over the line to open the scoring. This try was converted to put the greens 7-0 ahead; North Ribb immediately responded with a try to close the gap.

What followed was a text book try from the home side; from a line-out the forwards secured the ball to be passed out to one of the centres who ran a direct line to put down under the post. For the last 15 minutes of the first half the visitors seemed to go to sleep and allowed the home side to run in two further tries; only compensated by Flanker Jack Kitching jumping on a poor clearance to close the gap to 14-24 at the interval. The team talk at half time must have fired up the Greens as they then began to dominate; a classic pick up and drive from No. 8 Sam Smith closed the gap and then Prop Jack Hirst ensured he got on the score sheet as part of an excellent forwards' drive.

This put the visitors back in the lead for the second time in the match at 26-24; two further tries, however by North Ribb sealed the game for the home side with a late penalty to the Greens unable to close the gap sufficiently on what was an entertaining game for the large crowd.

 

 

3/4/11 Wharfedale 71 Colne and Nelson 0

Four years have lapsed since the Wharfedale under 16's last met their Colne and Nelson counterparts; matches for the Greens are generally against fellow Yorkshire men; this Sunday Wharfedale entertained the Lancastrians at the Avenue.

Playing on the first team pitch, the Greens provided some tough opposition to the visitors. In what was a very clean game, it wasn't long before the home side opened the scoring; early exchanges between the forwards provided a great scoring opportunity, 10 yards from the Colne and Nelson line with the ball popping out of the scrum for Flanker Jack Kitching to pick up and drive over the line to open the scoring. Three minutes later, an excellent solo effort from Centre Sam Blakeley, running through 5 players, brought the first of 3 tries for Sam and proved to be the format for the remainder of the match.

Both the Wharfedale forwards and backs began to dominate; an excellent move from the backs enabled 2 nd row Tom Kennedy to get the next try before a poor defensive kick from the Colne and Nelson Fullback landed in Jonny Guild's hands for a simple touch down for the Green's forth try. Two further tries before half time, a second from Sam Blakeley and an excellent solo run from Centre Luke Sumnall cemented the score; Fullback Harris Catley, converted 5 out of 6 to put the Greens in a commanding lead at the break. The second half followed a similar format with both the forwards and the backs getting in on the action; further tries from Harris Catley, No. 8 Sam Smith, Scrum half Simon Mousdale, Fly half Joe Slater and a third for Sam Blakeley, capped a great team performance.

The home side also demonstrated some great defensive play by keeping a clean score sheet; hopefully giving them increased confidence for the upcoming tour to Ireland.

 

13/2/11 Wharfedale 42 Baildon 0

 

Feast or Famine seems to be the order of the day for the Wharfedale under 16's over the last few weeks. After a couple of tough, low scoring games since the New Year; the Green's made amends with a convincing win against local opposition Baildon.

To be fair to the visitors to Wood Lane, the scoreline was not representative of the game as a whole, with the game more evenly matched than the scoreline belays but with the fact that the Wharfedale under 16's managed to convert their attacking positions into points. On what proved to be difficult playing conditions, on a pitch very much cut up from a previous days match, the teams were evenly matched for the first 10 minutes after the kick off. It fell to the Wharfedale backs to break the deadlock with an excellent solo try from Winger Sam Blakeley to put down in the corner; this allowed the Greens to edge ahead with another cleverly worked move, instigated by Centre Joe Slater's kick forward for Max Bell to pick up and touch down. Not wanting to be outdone by the backs; the forwards got on the Score sheet with further tries, before the break, from Prop Jimmy Meehan and No. 8 Sam Smith, both using their strength to drive across the line, putting Wharfedale 22 points to nil up at half time.

The second half was again dominated by Wharfedale with some valiant defending by Baildon; who to their credit, made several encroaches into the Greens twenty-two but were denied any points by an excellent Green counter defence. It then fell to the forwards to finish off the match with a further try by Jimmy Meehan, two by Second Row Simon Borrill and a kick and dive by Centre Luke Sumnall to cap a convincing performance by the Greens; hopefully enhancing their confidence ahead of their Semi-Final clash in the Yorkshire Plate this coming Sunday.

 

30/1/11 west park 38 wharfedale 10

The West Park Under 16's were jubilant at the end of the return encounter against the Wharfedale Under 16's, confirming the fact that they were desperate to win to avenge their early season loss at the Avenue.

The final scoreline of 38-10, in West Parks favour, was not an accurate reflection of how close the teams were. The match was a bad tempered affair with the Greens coming out on top in the gentlemanly stakes; failing to retaliate to some dubious provocation from the West Park Under 16's; the mantra: to win at all costs, seemed to apply to the home side, with points more important than good rugby.

The first 10 minutes of the match was a very close affair with neither team making huge advances in their opponents half; the Wharfedale forwards again came to dominate in the scrums and at the breakdowns; a quick break, however, from a loose ball allowed one of the fast West Park backs to open the scoring for the home side. The Green's responded immediately with a well worked try by the forwards; a line out 5 yards from the West Park line allowed the pack to drive forwards and for Jimmy Meehan to open the scoring for Wharfedale.

The remainder of the first half was dominated by West Park, with their backs running in a further 2 tries, to put the home side 21-5 up at half time.

With the slope in their favour in the second half, the Green's ensconced themselves in the West Park half for the first 15 minutes but unfortunately failed to convert this dominance into points; West Park defended admirably in response to a spirited period of attack by the visitors. A quick break by the home side really then put the game beyond reach for the Wharfedale Under 16's. The Green's heads, however, never went down with some massive hits put in by Fly Half Chris Loadman and Prop Jack Hirst; these paid dividends when Centre Sam Blakeley ran onto a kicked Ball and touched down for the visitors second try. The home side, then ran in two further tries to seal the game in West Parks favour, levelling the results for the 2010/2011 season.

 

23/1/11 old brodleians 20 wharfedale 15

The Wharfedale U16's travelled to Old Brods on Sunday with a view to preventing their adversary's doing the double over them this season; the Old Brods have always been a tough fixture over the last few seasons and Sundays encounter was no exception.

The slope of the pitch and a following wind, on the day, was always going to give one of the sides an advantage. The Greens, kicking uphill in the first half, applied the initial pressure and the forwards, with their characteristic driving and rucking came within 2 yards of the Old Brods line only to be turned over; a counter attack, from the very fast Old Brods backs, put the home side in the lead; which they subsequently failed to convert. Un-deterred, the Wharfedale pack drove forwards from the kick-off and Simon Borrill peeled off from the pack, 40 yards from the line, got in his stride and managed to get past 3 players to get the Greens on the score sheet; this was duly converted putting the Greens into the lead. The Brods responded again with further pressure down in the Greens half; charging down a kick for it to be caught and put down for their second try. A further try by the Old Brods; again which they failed to convert, kept the Greens only 8 points adrift at half time at 15-7.

The second half, with the slope in their favour, saw the Wharfedale Under 16's camped firmly in the home sides half but although coming close failed to turn this advantage into points. The Old Brods defence was excellent and another quick break put them 20-7 in the lead. Un-deterred, the Greens fought back with an excellent worked try by the backs for Max Bell to find touch and a penalty, two minutes later for the Greens, brought the score back to 20-15. The Greens were a simple try away from levelling the scores and despite valiant efforts from the flanker Jack Kitching, who had an excellent game, the Greens ran out of time.

 

12/12/10 Wharfedale 53 Otley 27

Due to last minute snow clearing by dedicated parents Wharfedale were able to play their first game for a couple of weeks but for the first five minutes The Greens played as if they were still in bed.

Two tries from Otley left the home side shell-shocked and were facing the prospect of a big defeat, but Wharfedale quickly began to gain a foothold. Sam Blakeley kick started the fight back with his first of the game after a well worked move following a number of controlled phases. A quick response from Otley increased the gap but a Wharfedale scrum 5 metres out provided the platform for Will Pickles to score. Another try for Sam Blakeley with a sublime solo run from within their own 22 and, unbelievably the scores were level. Otley fought back to score their fourth, but as the breathless first half was coming to an end Will Collins stormed through the Otley defence to score a crucial try and level the scores at 22-22.

Wharfedale cruised into top gear for the second half scoring 5 tries and only giving a single opportunity for Otley to score. Harris Catley touched down after winning a scrum against the head and phase after phase of controlled pressure. Will Pickles scored a superb try in the corner, twisting and turning to beat 3 players, and with Sam Blakeley getting his obligatory hat-trick The Green Machine was unstoppable. Collins added to his tally with a trademark drive through a mass of opposing players and with James Meehan rounding off the scoring frenzy, the first 5 minutes of the game were a distant memory.

The ability for Wharfedale to keep the ball with their accuracy at the breakdown frustrated Otley and re-enforced everything practised in training.

 

14/11/10 Baildon 0 Wharfedale 48

Wharfedale were looking to build upon a fine victory the previous week with a visit to Baildon on Sunday.

New signing Sam Blakeley started the rout touching down on the wing after some good work by Jack Kitching. Simon Borrill was the first to react to a loose ball to register Wharfedale's second try and with Harris Catley converting, The Greens began to dominate. Another fantastic game by all the forwards gave the platform for Joe Slater to control proceedings and it was he who scored Wharfedale's third after a chase down by Luke Sumnall, pressurising the Baildon backs to turnover ball. Wharfedale closed out the first half with two further tries, a fine drive for Borrills second and a quick lineout taken for Kitching to touchdown under the posts meant no way back for the home side.

Baildon battled hard in the second half but the total domination of the forwards in turning over at almost every breakdown allowed Blakeley to score two further tries for a well-deserved hat-trick. Luke Sumnall capped a fine performance with the try of the game, running the length of the half to score under the posts.

07/11/10 Acklam 14 Wharfedale 20

Wharfedale travelled to Middlesbrough to face a strong side and a big set of forwards for the first round of the Yorkshire Plate.

The Greens looked to get the ball away with clever interchanges but it was clear the home side were keen to play to the strength of their pack. Wharfedale more than matched their counterparts at the breakdown and after five minutes Harris Catley scored with a well struck penalty. Acklam hit back using their big forwards to drive close to Wharfedale's line but Chris Loadman and Jack Hirst put in heavy tackles to deny points for the home side. The Greens began to exert pressure of their own and from a driving maul Jonny Guild converted possession and territory into points with a great try. Wharfedale then took control of the first half with Tom Kennedy adding to his tally for the season which meant a comfortable 15-0 scoreline at half time.

The second half started much the same as the first, Acklam using their strength up front but Wharfedale ultimately controlling the game. The home side were reduced to fourteen halfway through the half after an unsavoury stamping and from the resultant penalty Joe Slater sidestepped his tackler, passed to Will Collins on the flank who powered through to score. This was to kick start a fight back from Acklam and after a dubiously awarded try was converted, a further break straight from the re-start enabled the home side to get within only six points. Wharfedale tightened up their defence in the final third of the game to snuff out further scoring opportunities and progress to the next round.

31/10/10 wharfedale 13 old brodleians 22

After a string of convincing wins against tough opposition in recent weeks; the Wharfedale Under 16's had a fixture against Old Brods on Sunday; a team who has had the upper hand in the last two or three encounters.

This meeting of the two teams was not to be the reversal in outcome that the Greens had hoped for. The overall game, was, relative to recent matches this season, a rather lacklustre affair with few outstanding contributions to the match. The game started very slowly with only Old Brod's making any forays into the Wharfedale half; twice the Greens took the lead from penalties from Harris Catley after the first try of the match went to Old Brod's; this wasn't converted hence the Greens lead 6-5 for the majority of the first half before a further try to Old Brod's just before half time, gave the visitors the upper hand at the interval.

The second half was again disappointing in terms of commitment and urgency of the Wharfedale Under 16's; the Old Brod's backs took advantage of this and ran in two easy try's with little response from the Greens. There were some notable exceptions for the Greens', Chris Loadman had an excellent game at Full back putting in several try saving tackles to limit the scoreline; Sam Stockdale and Tom Kennedy also played well but the whole team needed to perform to overcome a good side like Old Brods.

A final try from Prop Will Collins and conversion from Max Bell made the scoreline more respectable but on the day, it has to be said, the best team won.

10/10/10 Wharfedale 6 Heath 22

Sunday saw last years Yorkshire Cup finalists, Heath travel to the Avenue to play the Wharfedale Under 16's in the first round of the 2010/2011 Yorkshire Cup.

On paper, Heath are one of the best teams in Yorkshire but a casual observer would have seen very little difference in the style and commitment of both the teams play on Sunday. The First half of the match was naturally very tense as both teams gave very little away with no real attacking opportunities from either side.

Wharfedale broke the deadlock after 15 minutes with a penalty but Heath replied quickly with a well worked try in the corner. The conversion was missed and 5 minutes later, a second penalty nudged the Greens back into the lead at 6-5. The pack, although severely depleted through injuries performed admirably, quite often winning against the put-in and dominating in the line outs through Tom Kennedy and Sam Goodfellow at Second row. Jack Kitching playing in the un-familiar role of No. 8 had a great game, with some excellent strong running and rucking. The first half remained close although Heath scored a further try just before the half time whistle to lead 10-6 at the interval. The second half followed a similar pattern with several crunching hits from Simon Borrill and Tom Kennedy to keep the Heath pack at bay.

The Heath backs were just too strong and quick in the end for the Wharfedale Under 16's and ran in two further tries in the second half. This first encounter between the two teams proved to be closer than was expected; Heath will now move forward in the Yorkshire cup with Wharfedale having the benefit of now being in the draw for the Yorkshire Plate.

03/10/10 Ripon 12 Wharfedale 0

With three wins out of three and confidence running high Wharfedale were hoping for their first ever win against a very strong Ripon side.

Conditions were atrocious and not conducive to flowing rugby however both teams started well and perhaps Ripon were unlucky not to have registered first but for some crunching tackles from Tom Kennedy and Sam Goodfellow. Wharfedale began to turn up the heat and were unlucky not to score after winning a scrum against the head deep into the Ripon 22. The scoring opportunity faded as a poor pass led to a knock on which set the scene for the rest of the half. The Wharfedale pack began to dominate at the breakdown and scrum with James Meehan and James Davey leading the charge, however territory and possession did not turn into points with the first half ended 0-0.

Wharfedale rued missed chances as the second half began and with some enforced changes to the pack due to injuries had to dig deep as Ripon gained the upper hand. Simon Borrill laid body on the line and Luke Sumnall countered with some powerful running, but it was Ripon who made the most of their scoring opportunities with two unanswered tries.

A great effort from the lads who can be proud of their performance.

26/09/10 Wharfedale 45 Wensleydale 10

Playing on the first team pitch against a strong Wensleydale side gave Wharfedale a stern test, and after twenty minutes and some excellent rugby neither team could find inspiration to split the defence.

Wharfedale dominated the scrum and breakdown to starve Wensleydale of any attacking promise but also ensured a platform from which to build their own. Luke Sumnall continued his excellent form for the season by capitalising from a penalty on the twenty two, scoring Wharfedale's first and with Harris Catley converting, put The Greens in control. A great riposte from Wensleydale to score a try of their own gave the away side some hope, however Chris Loadman snuffed out any comeback with an outrageous sidestep to score after snatching a Wensleydale lineout. Luke Sumnall bagged his second from a penalty to extend the advantage after excellent rucking by the front row of Jack Hirst, Will Collins and Jack Taylor.

Even after a number of team changes for the second half, Wharfedale maintained intensity in defence and attack. Harris Catley completed a great passing move to finish in the corner, Simon Borrill touched down after a trademark drive, and Will Pickles dived for the corner after receiving a long bullet pass from Joe Slater.

Wensleydale scored a further unconverted try, however from the re-start James Davey completed a comfortable victory, scoring under the posts.

19/09/10 Wharfedale 18 West Park 10

The West Park Under 16's will have travelled to the Avenue on Sunday expecting a walk over, if recent encounters between the two teams were anything to go by.

What actually transpired couldn't have been further from expectations. On a typical Wharfedale day of wind and driving rain, the Greens kicked off and for the first 10 minutes all the play was in the West Park half. The Wharfedale pack took control of the game from the initial encounters; their dominance in the rucks ensured they kept possession to eventually setup the inevitable first try for Centre Joe Slater. Although the Green forwards dominated; the West Park backs always looked dangerous and two quick breaks led to two tries for the visitors; these they failed to convert and hence the Greens were only 7-10 down at half time.

The second half followed the same format with the forwards winning, often against the head, in the lineouts as well as the scrums.

Second row, Sam Goodfellow had an excellent match, dominating the lineouts and providing excellent delivery to the backs. The Wharfedale pack fully deserved their try deep into the second half with no.8, Tom Kennedy putting down to put the Greens ahead again. Full Back Harris Catley finally put the game beyond reach by kicking two penalties to cap what was the best performance by the Under 16's; the Greens never once gave up, played like a team and for once fully believed in themselves that they could win.

12/09/10 kirkby lonsdale 0 Wharfedale 45

 
The Greens travelled to Cumbria for their first game of the season against Kirkby Lonsdale who always provide a tough test, with today being no different.

The home sides battling defence and a few handling errors by Wharfedale ended a fairly scrappy first half punctuated by three tries and some powerful scrummaging and rucking by the Greens pack. Joe Slater started the scoring after receiving the ball off the back of a scrum ten metres from the Kirkby try line. Simon Borrill followed up soon after with a try after Max Bell kicked deep into opposing territory, and Luke Sumnall finished off the first half with a touchdown into the corner.

The second half started much brighter with The Greens taking the game by the scruff of the neck and scoring a further four tries. Tom Kennedy charged down a kick out from under the posts to score his first of the season, Joe Slater added to his tally and Chris Loadman got in on the act, however Tom Charters’ pacey finish after a series of slick passing through the hands was by far the best move of the day.

A great start by The Greens against a tough opponent and with six different try scorers, signs of some good rugby to come.

 

2009/2010 SEASON (under 15's)

14/03/10 Wensleydale 0 Wharfedale 29

The first game for The Greens after another lay off due to the weather meant a trip away to Wensleydale on a dry, sunny but windy morning. Both teams started well with Wensleydale probing in attack and Wharfedale holding a strong defensive line, soaking up early pressure. Initial exchanges indicated that this could be a close encounter, however once Chris Loadman scored The Greens first points, receiving a neat offload from a scrum won on the Wensleydale twenty two, there was no looking back. Wharfedale’s tactics to keep the ball alive paid dividends as Simon Borrill, running a superb angle touched down under the posts. The Greens, now starting to dominate in all areas, took advantage of their greater fire power up front with both Jack Hirst and James Davey’s intense rucking at the breakdown. James Meehan finished off a good first half, powerfully breaking through the Wensleydale line to score and with Harris Catley converting, Wharfedale controlled proceedings.

The second half, now with Wharfedale playing into a strong wind, kicked off and immediately put the home side onto the back foot. A try scored from an attack out of the Wharfedale twenty two proved to be the best so far. Jack Kitching carried the ball to safety breaking a number of attempted tackles, offloaded to a flying Catley who in turn popped a pass to Sam Smith and with two metres from the line offloaded to a supporting Sam Goodfellow to finish a fantastic flowing move. Meehan capped a fine performance with his second of the game in the closing stages, however to Wensleydale’s credit the home side did not give up and for the final ten minutes camped themselves on The Greens’ twenty two. Wharfedale’s defence held firm though as Will Collins held up a certain try in the dying minutes and Tom Charters getting in a great tackle to dump into touch to end the game.

29/11/09 Kirkby Lonsdale 0  Wharfedale  32

Both the Kirkby Lonsdale and Wharfedale Under 15 teams were fighting the conditions as well as looking to dominate in what is normally a very close encounter.

A week of heavy rain and a number of games had taken their toll on the first team pitch on which they played. Both teams played valiantly in the driving rain and sleet to produce a very entertaining game for the spectators braving the conditions. The Wharfedale Under 15's had the benefit of the slope and the wind in the first half and effective kicking from fly half Max Bell produced a number of excursions into the Kirkby Lonsdale twenty two. The Greens opened the scoring with a well worked combination of passes between Centre Will Farnworth and winger Luke Sumnall for Sam Goodfellow to touch down in the corner.

With each passing game, the Wharfedale Under 15's are looking more and more like a team to be reckoned with; the early try inspired the backs and within five minutes, some excellent passing across the back line enabled Winger Chris Loadman to touch down in the opposite corner. A period of intense pressure from the Greens and another long kick from Bell towards the Kirkby Lonsdale line saw second row Simon Borrill chase after the loose ball for the ball to pop out and full back Harris Catley to kick forward and touchdown for Wharfedales third try of the match. An excellent reverse pass saw prop Jimmy Meehan spot the opening under the posts to put the Greens comfortably in front at the end of the first half. The second half saw much of the same pressure from Wharfedale although to the home sides credit they did put together some good moves to get within yards of the Wharfedale line.

Two further tries from No. 8 Sam Smith, who as usual had an excellent game and flanker James Davey capped an excellent, good tempered and well refereed match.

15/11/09 Keighley 17 Wharfedale 27

Wharfedale travelled to Keighley with two good wins behind them and looking to keep up the momentum, however in recent seasons this fixture has become a much more competitive fixture.

Wharfedale edged the early exchanges as both sets of forwards fought hard and it was from turnover ball for Wharfedale that Luke Sumnall seized the opportunity to skip through some loose tackles and draw first blood. Keighley, to their credit, scored soon afterwards winning a rare scrum against the head. This set the tone for the rest of the half as Harris Catley touched down off the back of a strong scrum and subsequent drive from James Davey but then Keighley responded with a try of their own. The Greens had the last word as straight from the re-start Sumnall picked up loose ball after an error from Keighley to run in from the ten metre line to ensure Dale edged the half 17-12.

The Greens proceeded to control the second half and dominate at almost every breakdown with James Meehan and Sam Smith in particular leading the charge. Jonny Guild and Chris Loadman both had a great match, probing the spaces and always asking questions of the Keighley defence. Phase after phase from The Dale's front row of Jack Hirst, Jack Taylor and Will Collins provided Sumnall's third try and the win for Dale was almost in the bag. Keighley responded well once again but their final try was in vein as from the re-start Sam Goodfellow dived onto loose ball to seal a hard fought win.

08/11/09 Wharfedale 33 Baildon 5

Wharfedale were looking to build on a great performance against Ilkley in their previous game with Baildon returning to Wood Lane having beaten Dale twice last season. Straight from the kick off Wharfedale piled on the pressure and for the first fifteen minutes camped themselves on the Baildon twenty two. James Davey led the way with some fearsome driving and Tom Kennedy probed away using the space created by some excellent Sam Smith rucking. Baildon eventually crumbled as Simon Borrill put in a ferocious tackle to turn over and Smith gained ten metres from the resultant loose ball, popping a neat inside pass to Luke Sumnall to finish a superb move. Soon after the restart Borrill put down under the posts after winning a lineout deep inside the opposition half, and with Harris Catley converting both tries Dale deserved their half time lead.

The visitors momentarily encroached into the Wharfedale half and scored their only try of the game but from the restart Dale dominated and scored three further tries as Baildon's indiscipline throughout the match was duly punished. Jo Slater got in on the act chasing a fine cross field kick from Max Bell and Tom Kennedy continued his run of fine form scoring twice. A superb dump tackle into touch by Tom Charters capped a great performance from Dale with both forwards and backs improving with every game and are now looking very hard to beat.

 

25/10/09 Wharfedale 0 Harrogate 26

Wharfedale were looking to capitalise on two recent performances that has seen the team develop into a strong unit going forwards and who are now looking increasingly difficult to beat. Harrogate return to Wharfedale on the back of a successful season winning the Yorkshire cup and looking to inflict the same heavy defeats as they have done in previous encounters. It was the Greens, however who started with the strong wind and lashing rain behind them and who looked the more likely to score with some early pressure. At least ten minutes of intensity camped on the Harrogate twenty two gave opportunities for Jonny Guild, James Davey and Sam Smith to score, however the Harrogate defensive kept The Greens at bay. It was Wharfedale who played the atrocious conditions far better and were unlucky not to have gained points but the quality of the Harrogate backs soon punished The Greens lack of incisiveness. Four tries for Harrogate each came after periods of pressure from Wharfedale and with the half time whistle Wharfedale could feel themselves rather unlucky.

The second half started much like the first, again with heavy pressure by the forwards pick and drive tactics and Luke Sumnall’s frequent bursts of pace. Laurence Taylor produced his best performance this season with some fantastic tackling, breaking down some dangerous attacks by Harrogate. By the end of the game Wharfedale were looking for a consolation and Will Collins nearly provided but once again was held up by a very strong defence.

The scoreline flattered the away side somewhat, but in the end Wharfedale can be proud of a great team performance which saw them prevent arguably the best U-15’s team in Yorkshire scoring in the second half.

18/10/09 Wharfedale 37 Hull Ionians 10 (Yorkshire Cup)

Last Sunday saw the Wharfedale Under 15's play host to Hull Ionians in the first round of the Yorkshire Cup.

Although currently depleted due to a large number of injuries and several players below match fitness; the Greens produced their best performance of the season. Driven on by their emphatic win against Skipton the previous week; the Under 15's confidence had been revived and it showed. The first 10 minutes of the match was a nervous affair with both sides trying to assert their authority; early exchanges were in the centre of the field with little dominance by either team . The breakthrough came from the Wharfedales ' forwards starting to dominate a t the scrum and then a slick move along the backs fed the ball out to Johnny Guild on the wing to touch down in the corner . A quick second try followed with a classic pick up and drive from No. 8 James Davey, following a scrum 5 yards from the Hull Line. These early tries settled the Greens who then proceeded to play their best rugby of the season; playing as a team with both forwards and backs dominating the game. A quick try from Hull towards the end of the first half was quickly countered by a second try from Davey to give the Greens a clear lead at the end of the first half.

The second half saw the Wharfedale Under 15 ' s build on their first half performance with further tries from P rop Will Colli ns, F ull back Harris Catley and a third try for Davey . A commitment to win was e p itomised by the awesome tackle by Tom Kennedy who flattened the Hull Full Back . The game was also significant in the fac t that the Wharfed ale backs, often in the shadow of the excellent forwards, seemed to gel and played as unit, with Fly Half Max Bell taking control of the game and Centres Joe Slater and Will Farnworth having excellent game s and always instrumental in attack.

The tally of points was added to by two conversions and a penalty from Catley, to cap a very positive and entertain ing game for the Under 15 ' s and a place in the second round of the Yorkshire Cup.

 

11/10/09 Skipton 5 Wharfedale 53

Wharfedale travelled to local rivals Skipton seeking their first win of the season after a difficult start. Within five minutes of the kick off Wharfedale imposed their advantage at the scrum with superior fire power from the returning Sam Smith and James Meehan.

Dale's first try came from another scrum won against the head with Luke Sumnall feeding out to Harris Catley and a popped pass to Sam Smith finished a fine move in the corner. A try fest followed as Wharfedale ran in a further three scores without reply before half time. A great kick to turn Skipton on their heels from Max Bell set up James Davey to score his first of the game, a scrum ten metres from the Skipton line gave Sumnall the opportunity to drive over and finally Harris Catley finished a great half running into the corner from the re-start.

The second half promised more of the same, however uncontested scrums from now on prevented Wharfedale from utilising their greatest weapon, and enabled Skipton to score their solitary try. Undeterred, The Greens pushed on, applying pressure at the breakdown and turning over the majority of loose ball. Laurence Taylor added to Wharfedale's total finishing off a fine move in the corner. Three further tries from Sumnall and a James Davey run from the half way line completed the rout. Catley converted four times to take the score past fifty and give The Greens some much needed confidence.

27/09/09  Wharfedale 17 Ripon 10

The third Sunday of the new 2009/2010 season saw the Wharfedale Under 15 ' s travel to Ripon for , what was on paper, an evenly matched contest; both teams having players out on County duty.

The Greens, still experimenting with positions, seem to have started the season with a sense of urgency, not always seen in previous years. A 12:00 o ' clock kick off saw both teams start with a n eagerness to stamp their authority early on in the game; the Wharfedale pack was dominant in the scrums but the majority of the possession , in the first 15 minutes , was in Ripon ' s favour. To the Green ' s credit though, they defended well and only rarely did the Ripon backs encroach into the Wharfedale 22; the 0-0 scoreline at halftime highlighted what a close, tight game was being played.

The deadlock was broken early in the second half when one of the Ripon centres broke through the Wharfedale line to put down under the post. This converted try was quickly followed by two further tries putting the home side 17 points up. The Greens, undeterred, did not let their heads drop , with p rop Will Collins putting in some huge hits and No.8 Tom Kennedy having a n excellent game with a number of probing runs from the b ack of the pack. F lanker Harris Edwards, also having a great game , often making ground and keeping possession with some strong surging runs and excellent rucking , enabled t he Wharfedale pack , to again dominate in the second half .

Ten Minutes from the end of the game, the Wharfedale forwards gained possession 10 yards out from the Ripon line; slick passing from the backs enabled Tom Charters to touch down in the corner for a well deserved Wharfedale try. Then followed the Greens best spell of the match with the majority of the play in the Ripon half with Collins eventually driving over the line for Wharfedales second try. A n extra 10 minutes play may have seen the Greens reduce the deficit even further but the final whist le blew but with the Wharfedale Under 15 ' s walking off with their heads held high.