WITH the arrival of the new season only weeks away, Wharfedale’s coaches will be welcoming the opportunity to put into practice the work conducted in pre-season.

And the Forester’s squad saw some new face’s getting their first starts and players returning to the club, as they recently faced off with Auckland in a friendly fixture.

The visitors kicked off and played down the hill, towards the river. Conditions were good, the pitch firm and dry and ideal for running rugby.

For the first of the three 30 minute periods, the visitors were able to control possession of the ball for long periods.

However, they were met by a well drilled green wall, their excellent defensive work putting the visitors under pressure. This pressure, and a lack of a cutting edge saw Auckland on occasions revert to brute force via the pack. Unfortunately for them, the tactical balance always fell in favour of the Greens, whose more athletic pack was dominating the collision area.

Auckland kept at it and made ground through kicking long from out of hand or via penalties, due to the Forester’s indiscipline and over exuberance.

The first score came after 10 minutes when Wharfedale’s pack took a scrum against the head in the visitors’ 22. The ball was quickly transferred left to right to the inside backs. Tom Darwin made a break and off-loaded in the tackle to stand off Omari Kaup-Samuels, who scored under the posts.

Six minutes later Tom Darwin scored after a long clearance by Auckland was fielded by wing Alex Mounsey. The winger showed a turn of pace, strength and footwork, running sixty meters, before being stopped short of the try line. Despite desperate defence the ball was recycled and the score was made. The end of the first period saw Wharfedale 14-0 up.

When play resumed the Foresters stepped up their intensity and the battling opponents were struggling to defend their line. A flurry of try’s came in the second period. Scrum half Ollie Riddiough, wing Alex Mounsey followed by the impressive Jimmy Howarth and Tom Darwin put the Greens 42-0 ahead.

Not to be out done the battling visitors put together a sustained period of pressure resulting in a well deserved try and excellent conversion. Just prior to the end of this period, Ollie Bullock, scored under the posts. This put the Greens 49-7 up.

Both teams were rotating their players. Players with fresh legs on a warm day, were making an impact.

Further tries, the majority all from distance took the Greens away to 87-7. Scorers in this period were, Josh Walker, Robbie Collison (two) another for Jimmy Haworth and two further tries from the scrum half Sam Cox ended the game.

An entertaining game that no doubt shook the cobwebs from both teams.

This Forester’s team are without doubt adding depth to the Green Machine’s squad, a situation that no doubt will please 1st team Coach Simon Verbickas.

Lastly, a mention to the referee, Aaron Berry, who officiated the game impeccably.

The next Foresters game , is at home to Kendal. They host the visitors with the first team also hosting Kendal 1st XV on 31 August at 2pm.

Coach, Verbickas has been working hard during the balmy summer months to strengthen the squad, and is delighted to welcome a number of new young players with genuine First XV prospects, some returning to their roots; the club website wharfedalerufc.co.uk has got all the details.

Off the pitch, a great deal of work has been going on, with a number of volunteers giving up their time to spruce up the facilities. Additional fundraising activities have been initiated and it is hoped that the clubhouse and bar will be used more than ever.

So, the club is ready for next Saturday’s visit of Kendal, to play both the Firsts and the Foresters.