REPORT BY: JOHN CLARK

WHARFEDALE made it three wins out of three in the National Two North on Saturday, as they edged Tynedale 34-28 in anther thriller at the Avenue.

As so often is the case between these two sides, the game was played at a great pace and spectators were treated to an exciting game of rugby.

Last year, although Dale won both matches, the scores were close, and Saturday’s match was similarly touch and go.

The fact that Wharfedale were 17-0 ahead after just nine minutes having scored three fantastic tries proved to be a shock, but equally amazing was the fact that by half-time the scores were level at 22-22.

Visiting player Will Roberts had scored all three of the away side’s tries to level the things up at the break.

However, it would be the hosts who started the game in lightning quick fashion, as in the 1st minute of the contest Joe Fawcett charged down an attempted clearance to score.

Harry Bullough glided over for Dale just three minutes later, before Ben Patchett finished off a powerful forwards’ surge to touch down to the right of the posts.

Unfortunately for Dale, the otherwise immaculate Sam Gaudie only kicked one conversion. The score was therefore 17-0 after just nine minutes of the contest.

When Tynedale clicked into gear after 18 minutes they scored through their outstanding winger Roberts. Cameron Grant kicked the conversion to make the score 17-7.

Grant then converted a penalty.

Roberts scored two more tries on 30 and 39 minutes, one of which was converted. Interspersed with these two tries was one for Wharfedale by Gaudie which, again went unconverted, on this occasion a narrow miss by Ryan Hodgson.

This made the score 22-22 at half time, which represented an incredible fight back from the visitors.

Playing uphill with the wind Wharfedale knew that if they used the ball sensibly, they were definitely in with a shout of claiming the victory after the interval.

Sure enough, Joe Fawcett scored on 47 minutes and notched his hat trick with 20 minutes to go. This try was converted emphatically by Omari Kaup-Samuels.

After another frenetic period with both sides looking dangerous in turn, there were no further scores.

There was a number of standout performances, including that of Joe Fawcett for the second home match running, while Kaup-Samuels also played a blinder.

But prop Sam Dickinson deservedly claimed the man of the match award for the hosts, who have claimed the maximum 15 points from the first three matches of the campaign.

Wharfedale return to action this Saturday when they welcome East Yorkshire outfit Hull to the Avenue.

This weekend’s visitors remain without a point having lost their opening three league fixtures, while they also sit at the foot of the table.