Wharfedale 13 Blaydon 15: Davidson off target as record is ended

The Greens endured a first-half battering by the eager visitors, and were immensely relieved to reach the interval just 8-3 in arrears.

They made a considerably better fist of things in the second half, took a briefly-held lead shortly after the restart, and could well have claimed a win in the hectic final stages as they forced a series of penalty opportunities for the usually highly reliable boot of Tom Davidson.

However, just one success from four attempts left the Dalesmen with just a losing bonus point. Nevertheless, even the most biased Greens fans would surely accept that justice was served.

A second-minute penalty by full-back Dan Kyle opened the Blaydon account, and they were denied at the death three times before prop Justin Clarke crashed over.

Despite playing almost all the game up to the interval in their own half, Wharfedale added the only other first-half points, through Davidson's penalty in a rare foray into Blaydon territory.

Clearly 'inspired' by what must have been a forceful half-time lecture from coach Tom McGee, the Greens made the early running in the second period. Flanker Dan Solomi's converted try following a boisterous charge by hooker Steve Graham gave them a surprise lead.

The advantage lasted 10 minutes. A loose Wharfedale lineout presented Blaydon with the ball and the ensuing pressure on the line ended with a converted try from winger Ed Yarnton.

From then on it was hectic action but only Davidson's 68th-minute penalty affected the scoreboard. Blaydon ended the match minus try-scorer Clarke, yellow-carded for persistent offending.