McGee leaves on relative high

The Green Machine, playing their last game with McGee as head coach, worked tirelessly and both sides scored five tries – the difference was only in the excellent kicking of Eliot Clements-Hill, who landed five out of five.

Ampthill opened the scoring with converted tries from George Eliot and Clements-Hill before Dale came back via tries from Matthew van Sertima and Matthew Beesley. With Jamie Guy converting the score had closed to 14-12.

The home side finished the first half strongly with two more converted tries from Kennett O’Neill and Maama Molitika.

Ricardo Cano darted over for Dale before Kevin Barret nipped over for Ampthill.

Wharfedale dominated the final 15 minutes and were rewarded with two more tries. Rob Baldwin’s try, converted by Guy, gave Dale a four-try bonus and then George Hedgley brought the score within seven points for a second bonus point.

Clements-Hill missed a penalty in the last minute.

Hull Ionians lost 35-7 at Blaydon, the north-east side gaining revenge for defeat at Brantingham Park earlier.

Boosted by Newcastle Falcons players, Blaydon powered in front and never looked back. Ionians’ only score came when they were 35-0 down.

Winger Frazer Wilson put Blaydon in front and Andrew Baggett converted after two minutes, and further tries from Wilson and prop Trevor Davison made it 21-0 at half-time.

Jason Smithson and Zac Kibrige bagged second-half tries which Baggett converted. Scrum-half Isaac Green then scored and converted his own try on 59 minutes.