Peterborough Lions 12 Wharfedale 26

WHARFEDALE travelled to take on newly-promoted Peterborough Lions in National League Two North and dominated the first half. They then did enough in a trickier second period to bag an important five point away win.

Dale had the early upper hand and quickly had the Lions struggling in the scrum. After a lineout steal on Peterborough’s 10-metre line, Will Edwards pinned the Lions inside their own 22 with a weighted grubber kick.

The follow up quickly produced turnover ball, which led to George Hedgley crossing for the first try. Edwards knocked over the conversion.

Peterborough attacked from the restart and strong running and support play took them close, but Dale eventually forced a decision and cleared with a penalty.

The Greens then moved up a gear, forcing some penalties which led to a yellow card for Peterborough's Shaquille Meyers for killing the ball.

Dale opted for the scrum under the posts and the ball was spun out to Josh Prell who crossed wide on the right. Edwards just missed the kick.

The next try came from an uncontested catch and drive. More intelligent play from skipper Richard Rhodes meant Dale were able to cross comfortably, with Dan Stockdale scoring. Edwards added the extras, as half-time came with Dale leading 19-0.

The Greens kept up the good work after the break and were rewarded with a penalty try, as Lions prop Josh Waller earned a yellow card.

This had a dramatic effect on the home side and they started playing with more intensity and passion, before being rewarded on 50 minutes with an unconverted try from Ali Lea.

They were soon back in Dale’s 22 and only a handling error prevented them from a scoring a second try in quick succession.

The introduction of Argentinian scrum half, Franco Perticaro, meant that Peterborough were now moving around the pitch with greater urgency and a late break by winger Rory White saw Will Nankevil on hand to score, with Ben Young converting.

Wharfedale closed out the remainder of the game effectively though to secure the five points. It is the first time they have won their opening match of the season since beating Hartpury in 2014.

Wharfedale: Mann (Wellock 49), Prell, Lawn, Walker, Cicognini (Parkinson 69), Edwards, Woodhead, Asejevs (Altham 51, Ward 78), Stockdale, Ward (Booker 51, Asejevs 78), Hedgley, Rhodes (c), Houghton, Tyson (Leacock 69), Lockett