Wharfedale Foresters crush Burnley in pre-season friendly

Burnley felt the full force of the Greens' attitude and fans were provided with exciting entertainment between two good sides.

Do not be misled into thinking this was a one sided affair. Indeed it was not, as Burnley, coached by Mark Walton, provided stern opposition.

For the full 80 minutes, the Greens had to work hard and sustain constant pressure to overcome the Lancashire side.

The Foresters' defending was outstanding and time after time, waves of the opposition attacks were repelled, giving Burnley little opportunity to show any offensive flair.

Burnley, with little experience of the Wharfedale ground, were perhaps at fault in not using the slope to the river, in the first half, as an attempt to spend more time in the Greens' territory.

The early part of the match was a little dour, both sides shaking off the cobwebs, and it was well into the first half before the powerful, strong running Josh Prell crossed in the corner after good handling by backs and forwards combined.

This was followed by a spell of free-flowing rugby, allowing Simon Borrill to go over for a try, converted by Tom Mann.

The Foresters' tackling remained dominant and after further pressure, Prell crossed the whitewash again, the conversion brilliantly struck through the posts by Mann.

Half-time came with the Greens 24-0 to the good.

The second half saw Max Mountain go over after sustained efforts from the forwards, with that try once again converted by Mann.

Still Burnley never let their heads drop and provided good opposition at all times, not just in defence but whenever the opportunity presented itself to attack the Greens' solid defence.

The final score of the game came once again from sustained attacking by the Foresters and Tom Doherty scampered over for a breakaway try.

It was an encouraging result for the Greens, with a new season on the way, and credit must go to the staff responsible for getting the players up to scratch.