A true local derby was won by Wharfedale thanks to their dominance in the first half. They went in at half time leading by 16 points to nil.

Wharfedale started the game very brightly and the opening score came in the third minute. A drop-out from under the Harrogate posts was run back by Matt Beesley into the visitor’s 22. 6 phases later the ball was moved right and Josh Prell touched down for an unconverted try.

Harrogate had a chance to show what they could do when a kick from Dale drifted out on the full and Gate had …

Rotherham won their first ever match at the Avenue early this season and Dale balanced the books by winning for the first time at Clifton Lane. Not too many of the faithful made a second trip in a fortnight down the M1 but Dale were well represented and vocal; having to compete at time with the chant of “Rothram”.

Both teams were forced to make changes as this was technically a “free weekend” and quite a few players on both sides had taken the opportunity to book holidays. This gave a chance for players to step up and show what …

The faithful who made theirway up the A1 to t’other Dale were treated to an enthralling game of rugby. A close encounter of the second kind was even closer than the first match between the sides at the Avenue. The game was played with great spirit and intensity by both Dales. The lead switched quite a few times and either side could have emerged as winners.

The home side took an early lead. Dale’s kick-off was sent into Tyne’s in-goal area and touched down. This meant the home side being awarded a scrum on half-way. Tynedale soon had an attacking …

Credit to all the players for trying to play some good rugby in pretty poor conditions. The game was not a feast of open rugby and was dominated by mistakes from both sides which made for a stop start game. Credit also to the Blaydon defence for stopping Dale getting a bonus point 4^th try.

The home side had a massive territorial advantage throughout the game with Blaydon only mounting one meaningful attack into Dale’s 22 and taking a penalty as reward.

There was a minute`s silence before the game to honour Chris Baker and June Wear, both long-time …

Wharfedale were guilty of not having their boots done up for the first 26 minutes of another entertaining match. This should not decry some outstanding play from the home side who scored 4 tries before Wharfedale started playing. I’s benefitted from kicking out of defence by Dale that allowed their backs time and space to run the ball. Dale did have a promising attack early on when Sam Gaudie broke through the defence. His run ended with a high tackle from a Hull defender. The ref then reversed the decision because a Wharfedale player had gone to ground after the …

A great turnout for this wonderful annual match versus our good friends up the Dales. Unfortunately, the game was abandoned after 58 minutes due to an neck injury to Foresters player Freddie Marsden, that he received during a scrum.

The good news is that Fred is home after a spell in A&E, that confirmed just bruising round the nerves and hyperflection of the neck. A few quiet days and will be able to play again soon.

Emma and Steven and family would like thank everyone for their concern and kind messages.

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