Plenty of plusses for Greens to take forward

IT HAS to be accepted that pre-season friendlies involve a great deal of switching players, and this was no exception, with Wharfedale turning out a mixture of experienced and younger players among their squad of 27.

Yorkshire Division One Bradford Salem arrived with no props, so there were uncontested scrums, which suited the visitors better.

Nevertheless it was a very competitive game as Salem were forceful in attack and Wharfedale coach James Doherty was pleased with the outcome of a hard-fought, fast encounter as his side showed their fitness.

The Greens took control early, with a good try by Jake Parkinson after sustained pressure, Jamie Guy adding the conversion, and, after an even 15 minutes, superb work by Robbie Davidson led to an excellent try by Otto Mallieu Black, Guy improving for 14-0.

Salem hit back with a try by debutant Christian Baines but scrum half Jimmy Bullough replied for the hosts, Guy converting, although the visitors replied with a try by open-side flanker Nick Fontaine before half-time, Danny Belcher converting.

Multiple changes then led to a scrappy period, with some of the Foresters’ decision-making open to question, and Salem grabbed a try by Sam Savage, Belcher again converting.

However, the home side regrouped after more changes, and Latvian new boy Emils Blandonis went over for a converted try to make it 28-19, before Salem added a try in the corner by another debutant Cody Brook.

Catching the eye in a display that was more encouraging than mixed were Callum Lockett, Parkinson, Guy and the speedy Will Davidson, moving the ball with pace and purpose, particularly in the first half.

The play was somewhat frenzied in patches, but the home coaches have enough to work with in what should emerge as a decent squad.

Credit to Salem, who came with the intention of playing fast, attacking rugby and did just that, with several players, who should perform well at level seven, looking energetic and sharp.

It was also pleasing to see several Wharfedale players back, such as Alistair Allen, Tom Whyte, Simon Borrill, Tom Jackson and Tom Davidson, who have had lengthy spells away due to injuries etc.

Credit to Salem, who came with the intention of playing fast, attacking rugby and did just that, with several players, who should perform well at level seven, looking energetic and sharp.

It was also pleasing to see several Wharfedale players back, such as Alistair Allen, Tom Whyte, Simon Borrill, Tom Jackson and Tom Davidson, who have had lengthy spells away due to injuries etc.

Wharfedale Foresters: James Huck, Jake Parkinson, Jimmy Meehan, Alistair Allen, Simon Borrill, Callum Lockett, Tom Whyte, Tom Wareing, Jimmy Bullough, Jamie Guy, Robbie Davidson, Will Davidson, Simon Crabtree, Otto Mallieu Black, Harry Bullough. Replacements: Matt Close, Tom Jackson, Dan Stockdale, Jim Bowers, Matt Hall, Emils Blandonis, Ollie Snowden, Will Lawn, Max Bell, Tom Davidson, Ben Parkinson, Tom Murray.