AFTER an early Saturday morning pitch inspection at Dore Moor the match between Sheffield Tigers and Wharfedale was deemed fit for play.

The visitors kicked off up the slope and had the better of the early exchanges but failed to convert possession into points.

Both teams missed early penalty opportunities but in the 21st minute Robbie Davidson landed the first points of the day from a resulting penalty making the score 3-0 to the visiting side.

Sheffield Tigers were adapting to the wet conditions much better than Wharfedale and that pressure told when Oliver Riddiough was harshly yellow carded for a high tackle, while George Hedley was also branded a yellow card for a technical foul during a rolling maul.

Now down to 13 men Wharfedale were put under extreme pressure and in the 37th minute William Baker went over in the far right corner for a try but the conversion was missed, making the score 5 -3 to the hosts.

Almost from the kick off, a loose kick found its way to William Baker who from well inside his own half found gaps in the depleted Wharfedale defence to run a good line and score again in the right-hand corner, the conversion was missed making the score at half time 10 – 3.

The second half started brightly for Wharfedale and a converted penalty by Robbie Davidson brought the score to 10-6, game on.

Just as one thought the tide might be turning, some indiscipline again by Wharfedale resulted in a penalty try and a yellow card for Ben Markey, making the score 17-6.

In the 72nd minute a knock on from Wharfedale resulted in a scrum in which Sheffield Tigers drove the opposition backwards for a penalty which Willian Baker converted making the score 20-6 in favour of the home side.

The introduction of fresh legs from the bench made an impact for Wharfedale and in the 78th minute Sam Dickinson crashed over for a try which Robbie Davidson converted, to reduce the deficit to 20-13.

Now with their tails up, Wharfedale stormed back and scored another try through Rhys Green, bringing the score to 20-18 with the conversion being the last kick of the match. Unfortunately for the visitors the attempt was narrowly missed giving Sheffield Tigers a deserved victory.

In summary, the Tigers adapted to the conditions much better but indiscipline cost Wharfedale the game.