Tynedale 55 Wharfedale 18: Late burst floors Greens

There is no arguing with a nine tries to two margin but the bare scoreline certainly does not tell the full story of a splendid, open match of fast-running rugby – in which the Greens played a substantial part.

The spectacle was considerably enhanced for the enthusiastic fans by an excellent referee in Steve Lee.

Not until the final quarter did the home side exert a real stranglehold but they then made it count in clinical fashion with four unanswered tries.

The Greens ended the first half 17-13 in arrears, and though Tyne had already notched three tries through No 8 Alistair Murray, full-back James Hoyle and winger Charlie Ignell, the bulk of the possession had been controlled by the visitors. Outside centre James Tincknell had scored an impressive try, pushing off from a tackle after receiving from centre partner Chris Malherbe and fly-half Mark Bedworth had added the conversion and a brace of penalties.

Things began to wrong for the Dalesmen soon after the restart. Tyne hooker Joe Graham claimed the ball after a Wharfedale attack broke down and sprinted through for a try which was soon followed by another from Hoyle.

Tincknell's trade-mark power hand-off saw him clear for his second try but after that Tynedale began to turn the screw. Tries from Murray, substitute back Andrew Hall, Hoyle and fly-half Gavin Beasley rounded off victory.