WHARFEDALE'S head coach James Doherty has gone against his own convention and praised an individual after their third victory of the season last Saturday.

Fly half Tom Barrett not only landed a club league record of three drop goals on a heavy pitch but also added a penalty and converted hooker Dan Stockdale's try in their 19-12 victory over fellow strugglers Scunthorpe.

But almost as important was his running with the ball and kicking from hand as the Lincolnshire visitors were regularly pinned back.

Doherty said: "I don't normally single players out but, after a performance like that, Tom deserves credit.

"He was excellent in his game-play and kicked well.

"He also kicked three drop goals on a pitch that will get heavier than it was last weekend."

Doherty was also happy with the display of his forwards, and added: "We definitely had the fitter pack.

"Scunthorpe had a big and heavy pack but they never made one like break as a team and our defence, which has been improving week in, week out, was excellent."

The third victory of the season for second-from-bottom Wharfedale was matched by cellar dwellers Harrogate, who were only behind the Greens on points difference.

Their fellow North Yorkshire club defeated Chester 6-3 at Rudding Lane, and with Sheffield Tigers, Scunthorpe and Preston Grasshoppers all losing immediately above them, only three points now separate the bottom five,.

The victories for Wharfedale and Harrogate has drawn them level with Preston Grasshoppers on 17 points, while Scunthorpe are on 19 and Hoppers 20.

"It is good that we are all closer together," said Doherty, "and having won we will have a bit of a lift when we go to fifth-placed Sedgley Park on Saturday.

"They are a good side and know this league but we will go there with confidence believing that we have a chance."

type THIRD victories of the season for Wharfedale and Harrogate has caused a logjam at the bottom end of National League Two North.

The Dalesmen defeated fellow strugglers Scunthorpe 19-12 at The Avenue, while Harrogate, who were only behind the Greens on points difference, triumphed 6-3 at home to Chester.