On a cold, dry day at Lightfoot Lane a sizeable crowd looked forward to a good running rugby match on the 3G pitch.
What they got was a tight bruising forward orientated encounter played in good spirit which could easily have gone either way.
From the kick off Preston took control of the ball and after 3 minutes were awarded a penalty which Joshua Ree converted to make the score 3-0.
Preston continued to dominate possession and in the 15th minute were fortunate that a kick through hit the upright and gave Alastair Murray the opportunity to touch down for a try which was converted by Joshua Ree making the score 10-0.
Wharfedale now managed a period of sustained pressure, retaining possession and forcing penalties. From a Wharfedale lineout the ball was recycled for Rob Baldwin to crash over for a try but the conversion was missed making the score 10-5.
The next period of the game was all Preston,who retained possession well and went through multiple phases before being held up over the Wharfedale try line.
Not to be out done, Preston roared back from the goal line drop out for Harry Holden to be driven over for a try, the conversion missed making the score at half time 15-5.
Whatever was said in the Wharfedale dressing room at half time had the desired effect as the intensity and speed of the game increased – line breaks were made as gaps appeared in the Preston defence.
Wharfedale from a penalty and attacking lineout, the ball was quickly recycled enabling Oliver Riddiough to dart through a gap for a try that was converted by Robbie Davidson making the score 15-12.
Momentum was swinging Wharfedale’s way and again excellent play by the backs allowed Louis Verity to find space to score a try which was converted by Robbie Davidson, making the score 15-19.
The next 15 minutes was all Preston who crossed the Wharfedale try line only to be adjudged held up which caused a little frustration and gave Wharfedale a releiving penalty 10 yards from their line.
The closing minutes were very tense but Wharfedale defended well to claim a hard fought victory.
This was very much a forwards orientated match where several players stood out, Ben Blackwell shone until side lined with a rib injury, Sam Dickinson’s tackle rate and open play caught the eye but the supporters man of the match was Rob Baldwin who excelled in this type of match.
Wharfedale: –
- S Dickinson, 2. R Collinson (17 D Wills 49), 3. J Armstrong (16 J Meehan 40, 3. J Armstrong 49) , 4. Z Heys (7. B Blackwell 63, 4. Z Heys 77)), 5. E Stockton, 6. G Hedgely, 7. B Blackwell (8. A Weston 33), 23. R Baldwin, 9. O Kaup-Samuels (19. O Riddiough 33), 10. R Davidson, 11. R Hamilton, 12. O Cicognini, 13. L Verity, 14. B Viner (20 J Prell 53).
The match photographs are available under the Gallery tab near the top of this page and also by clicking on https://www.flickr.com/photos/128183691@N04/albums/72177720324432460