Wharfedale 13 Blaydon 37

Blaydon ended their losing run at the expense of Wharfedale, whose run of defeats extended to six.

A strong run by Rob Baldwin led to a penalty converted by Tom Barrett as Dale started well. Andrew Baggett replied with a penalty before Blaydon stretched the home defence to allow Thomas Penny in for a try.

A clever kick by Dan Scarborough pinned Blaydon back in their own 22. They conceded a penalty and Dale went for the corner. A strong catch-and-drive was rewarded when Alex Powell was driven over. Barrett added the extras.

Wharfedale again drove Blaydon back and a penalty was awarded with a yellow card to Blaydon’s scrum half. The chance was wasted when Barrett (pictured) cross-kicked for Scarborough. The execution was poor and the ball went flying over the dead ball line.

Having been let off the hook, Blaydon drove over from a five-metre line-out, Christopher Wearmouth touching down for a converted score. Wharfedale replied with a penalty to trail 18-13 at half-time.

The second half saw a battered Dale concede three more tries through Thomas Grimes, Thomas Penny and Nathan Bailey, Baggett converting two, as Blaydon’s dominant pack provided ball for their expansive game.