Wharfedale travelled to the Woodlands in sunny Lytham St Anne’s with a team consisting of seven changes from last week and faced a large partisan crowd.
In the first 20 minutes Wharfedale were under constant pressure as Fylde kept possession and moved the ball from wing to wing.It was no surprise when Corey Bowker scored a try on 5 minutes,converted by William Hunt making the score 7-0.
Long clearance kicks by Wharfedale that did not find touch gave Fylde the opportunity to mount yet more attacks and a well judged cross field kick found Jordan Dorrington who touched down in the corner,converted by William Hunt,making the score 14-0.
At last the tide seemed to be turning and Wharfedale managed some sustained possession but an intercepted pass in Fylde 22 meant Leo Gilliland sprinted the length of the pitch for a try under the posts,converted by William Hunt,making the score at half time 21-0.
Wharfedale started brightly in the second half, retaining much needed possession and winning a penalty in the Fylde 22.From the resulting line out,the pack mauledRobbie Collinson over for a try,converted by Archie Haddon making the score 21-7.
The resurgence was short lived as back roared Fylde, a clever chip over the top and gathered was recycled out wide to Leo Gilliland to score in the corner for the bonus point try,converted by William Hunt making the score 28-7.
At this point Wharfedale made several substitutions, some tactical,some precautionary,but Fylde roared on by an enthusiastic crowd and got their reward for some fast inter passing out wide for Adam Lanigan to score in the corner,converted by Daniel Slawson,score 35-7.
Fylde were now playing with great confidence and went on to score two more tries through Leo Gilliland (hatrick) and James Sutcliffe,neither were converted making the final score 45-7.
A disappointing result but four players got first team experience,the pick being James Bentley who performed well in the front row and augurs well for the future.
After the match Simon Verbickas commented
It is encouraging to see young players such as James Bentley, Joe Charnley, Orson Hall and Max Green being involved in the first team squad,which reflects positively on the clubs long term future.
Wharfedale: - 1. J Armstrong, 2. R Collinson (S Holden 70), 3. J Bentley (J Charnley 63), 4. Z Heys, 5. S Borrill, 6. G Hedgley, 7. J Pinder (R Tweedale 60), 8. J Fawcett, 9. I Morgan (O Hall 52), 10. J Greig (W Bell 52), 11. O Riddiough, 12. O Cicognini, 13. C Trees, 14. A Weston (I Morgan 70), 15. A Haddon.
