Wharfedale 20 Newbury 5: Greens earn crucial win

But, if Wharfedale thought their task up front would be made easier, they were mistaken. For much of the game, the Newbury pack held the ascendancy in the set-pieces.

The difference between the sides, leading to an ultimately comfortable home victory, was that when chances came, Wharfedale took them.

The Greens grabbed a 10-0 lead, fly-half Mark Bedworth intercepting on halfway and romping through to the posts before converting and then adding a penalty.

Newbury forced four penalties within kicking range but, instead, opted to set up a try-scoring opportunity.

Wharfedale responded on 29 minutes, centre Chris Malherbe touching down after his slick inter-passing with flanker Dan Solomi ripped open the Newbury defence.

Five minutes later, Newbury at last posted points, centre Mike Mangeolles taking the honour following a splendid passing movement.

The second half was a pedestrian affair, with the Dalesmen defending their 15-5 half-time advantage without undue difficulty, and adding to it midway through the half with a mauled try, hooker Steve Graham emerging with the ball.

Prior to the score, winger Iain Dixon was ruled not to have grounded and a 'try' by Rob Baldwin was also disallowed.