SSE National League One

Wharfedale 38

Loughborough Students 20

LOUGHBOROUGH'S coach Dave Morris was warm in giving huge congratulations to Dale, saying: "Their victory was fully deserved, they dominated the set-piece and their physicality was the basis of their win."

However, the students had competed well during a close first half and went into the tunnel leading by three points.

Wharfedale started the scoring, with James Doherty going over behind his pack.

Loughborough came back into the game, and a penalty and tries from Jonathan Short and Joshua Sharp, the second of which was converted, gave them a deserved lead.

But Dale exerted pressure before half-time and the visitors were reduced to 13 men.

Tries either side of the interval, one by Tom Davidson and the second by Taylor Prell, with Davidson converting both, gave Wharfedale the lead at 19-15.

Loughborough continued to be under pressure when they were restored to full strength

With the wind and the slope in their favour, Dale dominated the second half, scoring three more tries with Loughborough grabbing a late score.

Scott Jordan and Richard Rhodes scored for Dale, and Davidson converted the latter.

Wharfedale's domination of the set-piece was rewarded with a penalty try to which Davidson added the extras.

Loughborough kept going and crossed for a third try by Short, who was on hand to finish off a break by scrum half Henry Taylor.