Wharfedale 28 Coventry 24

WHARFEDALE signed off after 20 years in National League One with victory in a superb end of season match.

The first half ended even at 21-21 with both sides scoring three converted tries. Coventry took the lead in the second half with a penalty and Wharfedale claimed victory with a successful move from a five metre line-out to round off the action.

Dale set off playing some exquisite rugby and displayed their keenness to run everything when Coventry took the kick off and sent the ball deep to full back Maxime Labasse who set off on a strong run.

Wharfedale's adventure was rewarded when they took an early lead. A quick line-out resulted in Ollie Cicognini sweeping into the visitors' half before Andy Hodgson created space for Jordan Poole to progress deep into the Coventry 22.

With the defence stretched, Poole fed Phil Woodhead who ran in the first try which Jamie Guy converted.

From the restart Labasse ran the ball up to halfway and a strong charge from Rob Baldwin set up a ruck on the visitor`s 22. A trademark dart from Dan Solomi saw him scamper in for a try and Guy again added the extras.

Ten minutes into the match and it looked like Dale were the highly-paid rugby players using the game as practice. Coventry did not help their cause with some indifferent tackling.

Coventry's response came from the pack. This was only after another run from Labasse was spoilt when the move broke down and the ball was passed to a Coventry player.

A penalty followed and after a good kick into Dale’s 22 a driving maul led to Matthew Price touching down. Matthew Jones added the extras.

A knock on from the restart set up the Green Machine on the Coventry 22 and more pressure on the Blues. A penalty was awarded under the posts but Dale were not interested in three points. Five phases later the ball was lost and a grateful Coventry cleared.

More strong running from the Greens soon had them looking to add another score. The pressure came from a Coventry kick which was run back.

A frustrated Coventry bled two penalties and were soon defending their line. A patient build up and then a gem of an inside offload from Woodhead put centre Cameron Hudson over for another converted try.

The Green machine then spluttered and surrendered the ball from the restart. Five phases later Alex Woodburn had enough space to stroll over the line under the posts.

Two minutes later Coventry got the ball to Dominic Lespierre. A combination of speed and lax defence saw the Frenchman cross the whitewash. Jones slotted both conversions to make it 21-21 at half-time.

Coventry had somehow managed to level the score with meagre possession or territory.

The second half did not live up to the pace and excitement of the fare before the break, but there was still plenty of good rugby.

A cracking attack from Dale led by Guy and Hudson was spoilt by a dropped ball while good defence from the Green Machine kept out Coventry.

The Midlander’s best attack came from the only downfield kick from Wharfedale. The visitors won a penalty in front of the posts and, not in the spirit of the game but showing a more clinical desire to win, Jones claimed the three points on offer.

A scrappy period of play followed without either side being able to break through.

A brief skirmish took place after 73 minutes which saw referee Ben Blain issue yellow cards to George Hedgley for Wharfedale and Coventry's Lespierre.

Wharfedale had just been awarded a penalty which was not changed and they won another soon after which Guy drilled into the corner.

In a similar situation earlier in the first half Coventry had not defended the catch and drive and won the put in at the scrum.

This time Dale were ready and a after good catch Josh Burridge drove forward himself and forced engagement before he crossed the whitewash to score.

Guy finished the scoring with a fourth successful conversion to claim a rare but deserved victory. A fantastic way to sign off.

Wharfedale Labasse, Cicognini (Morgan 59), Hodgson, Hudson, H Bullough (Cicognini 68); Guy, Woodhead; Beesley (Altham 28), Poole (Stockdale 44), Cano (Beesley 53), Hedgley, Allen (Burridge 68), Burridge (Barnard 51), Solomi, Baldwin (c).