Free-flowing Greens have survival in sight

An untidy, error-strewn first half played in perfect Spring conditions ended with the home side just 6-3 ahead from two penalties by Tom Barrett to an eventual one in reply from former Wharfedale captain Andy Baggett, whose rather unhappy return to the Avenue included two missed early chances and a number of fluffed kicks out of hand.

Despite looking the likelier side, Wharfedale’s tendency to surrender possession within moments of gaining it allowed the visitors long periods of largely fruitless attack. The Greens did end the half on a better note with a fine long sweeping touchline break by winger Dan Hart which ended short of the line.

A corner try from full-back Luke Gray was supplied by a neat over-arm pass by Dan Solomi.

This was swiftly followed by a classic dummying outside break by Barrett who glided between the posts. The young fly-half, who had an excellent game, converted both for a comfortable lead.

Though nothing was seen of the formidable forward power which has been at the core of their recent run of success, a somewhat under-strength Blaydon managed moments of possession.

But they were progressively outgunned by the Greens’ willingness to mount increasingly fluent running attack featuring prominent contributions from Gray and James Tincknell.

Successive sweeping forays up field produced the platform for a close drive to the line which gave Solomi his 15th try of the season, once more converted by Barrett to extend his tally to 17 points.

The visitors’ woe was compounded when they at last got over the Wharfedale line only to have the score disallowed for foul play.

A rampant home side escaped to the other end to add a bonus-point try when veteran Andy Hodgson put fellow centre Tincknell over between the posts, allowing Simon Horsfall a simple final two points to complete the rout.