A BRILLIANT start to the second half saw Wharfedale secure 35-29 against derby rivals Harrogate on Saturday.

The scene was set for an excellent day of running rugby at the Apollo Capital Stadium at Harrogate. Skies were clear and no rain, we were not disappointed as the match shared nine tries.

In the early exchanges Harrogate saw plenty of possession and from repeated drives at the Wharfedale line were held up.

A penalty was awarded to Harrogate which Thomas Steen converted to make the score 3-0.

From the kick off, Harrogate attempted a kick into the breeze which was collected by Rian Hamilton who sped down the wing, passed inside to Sam Gaudie who scored a try which he converted to give Wharfedale a 7-3 lead.

Harrogate were now seeing plenty of ball and starting to punch holes in the Wharfedale defence and from one such attack, Conor Miller scored a try which was converted by Thomas Steen to make it 10-7.

A fantastic break by Brad Viner down the left flank resulted in Wharfedale camping on the Harrogate line and Jake Armstrong eventually awarded the try which was converted by Gaudie, to put Wharfedale 14-10 up.

Wharfedale were penalised at a scrum for not using the ball and resulting from this infringement Harrogate set up an onslaught on the Wharfedale line, eventually scoring a try out wide on the right through Sean Triana. Steen converted to give Harrogate a 17-14 lead at half time.

The Wharfedale boys obviously had a good team talk at half time as their second half work rate and possession improved immensely resulting in some fast, exciting interplay between forwards and backs for Oliver Cicognini to score under the posts. Gaudie converted to give Wharfedale the lead again at 21-17.

A wonderful clearance by Oliver Riddiough from a tight angle down the line set up an attacking position from which Jack Pinder crashed over the line. Gaudie converted to give Dale a 28-17 lead.

The hammer blow for Harrogate came in the 66 minute when Hamilton intercepted a pass and Gaudie was on his shoulder to finish off under the posts for a try and conversion, giving the Dale a 35-17 lead.

Harrogate responded in the last 10 minutes scoring two tries through Jacob Percival and Triana which Kodie Brook converted one cutting the score to 35-29.

There were a few nervous Wharfedale supporters on the touchline but the Green Machine defended stoutly for their second five-point win of the season.

There were two contenders for man of the match, Gaudie for his all round performance and brace of tries but Cicognini just edged it with his leadership of the backs and his fine try.