REPORT BY: ED WILLIAMS

WHARFEDALE survived a spirited comeback from Hull Ionians to eventually seal a 30-24 victory at home on Saturday.

The hosts had established a good lead by half-time, but a strong finish from the visitors resulted in a tense climax to the game.

Dale had the better of the opening exchanges making effective use of the breeze and the slope. Wharfedale looked to have put Stockton through to score, only to be stopped by a finely judged forward pass. They had a penalty advantage waiting and Harry Bullough sent the ball into the corner. Several phases followed and the hosts were awarded a penalty.

Ignoring a very kickable penalty in front of the posts, Dale opted for the scrum. With the Hull forwards tied into the set piece fearing the Green Machine shove, quick ball went down the line and Harry Bullough opened the scoring with a try. Robbie Davidson converted.

The home side did not let up and had the majority of possession and territory for the next 20 minutes.

Josh Prell was on the end of two good handling moves to score two unconverted tries.

From the visitor’s restart Davidson sent the ball fifty metres downfield for a Hull lineout on their own ten-metre line. The ball was not straight, and Dale opted for the scrum. Hull were awarded a free kick for an early push and did their best to run out of their half, but a forward pass ended their aspirations.

An efficient scrum produced good ball and Josh Prell bullied his way into the Hull 22. Strong work by the forwards had Hull on the backfoot and after four phases the ball was sent wide to Prell who touched down.

Prell’s second effort was again the result of concerted play from all the Wharfedale players again going coast to coast and stretching the defence with forwards and backs combining effortlessly. Another attack was thwarted by another finely judged decision of a forward pass which drew applause from Hull’s wing forward, Allan Hudson.

Hull eventually managed an abbreviated period of possession and, with George Mewburn dominating midfield, managed to get on the scoreboard with Mewburn touching down. Lewis Minikin added the extras.

Mewbur, who carried the ball out of defence, was stopped by a magnificent tackle by Sam Dickinson, and he was on hand to score for the hosts.

Wharfedale ended an entertaining half with perhaps the best try of the match. Dale capitalised on a Hull mistake and Bradley Viner swept down the field. The ball was passed on quickly by George Hedgley and Robbie Davidson and then finished by Rian Hamilton. Davidson slotted the conversion from the touchline to leave the score at 24-7 at half-time.

Davidson and Minikin exchanged penalties before tries by Josh Britton and Mewburn left the contest hanging by a thread, but the hosts held on to a crucial 30-24 victory.

Another entertaining afternoon at the Avenue; another five points in the bag and Dale firmly established in 5th position in National Division 2 North.

Next week sees a break in the league campaign giving the squad a much-needed rest. They will need it as on November 9 Dale are away to 3rd place Sheffield.