McGee leads from the front for Greens

A MUST-WIN game for Wharfedale ended in victory but not before the visitors had given them an early lesson in control of possession and territory.

Cinderford led 13-9 at the break, but though they added two further tries at the beginning and end of the second half, they were progressively played out of the match by a resurgent Wharfedale pack.

Much was expected of the set-piece battle between the two struggling sides with the home side’s selection reflecting this with Greens’ coach Tom McGee electing to add authority by including himself at loose-head.

And if the pay-off came subsequent to his departure, it was powerful scrummaging spearheaded by veteran Neil Dickinson that set up substitute scrum-half Phil Woodhead for the crucial try on the hour which gave Wharfedale the lead they never relinquished at 23-20.

Cinderford dominated the early play, running up a 10-0 lead through an early penalty by Dan Trigg, who also converted a try by centre Rob Winchle, who went striding clear on the recycled overlap after a counter-attack from a loose relieving kick by Wharfedale.

As the half drew to a close, Wharfedale’s lively attack was rewarded by two penalties from Tom Barrett, who added a clinical drop goal.

The try that had eluded the Greens in the first period came quickly after the resumption when Dan Solomi was worked clear and he seared home through the centre to put the Greens ahead for the first time.

Cinderford quickly but briefly were back in front when No 8 George Evans finished off fly-half Mike Wilcock’s break.

But home lock Joe Quinn’s fine support play added a third try with Barrett’s fine kicking adding both conversions and a final penalty for the Greens.

The failed conversion of live-wire winger Nevaro Codlin’s last-minute score left the visitors just short of a losing bonus point.

This victory means the Greens leapfrog Cinderford at the foot of the table.

But more importantly after struggling – like their visitors – against a run of teams at the top end of the table Wharfedale have shown the self-belief and effectiveness in their play to put away less demanding opponents.