Wharfedale Foresters 71

Tynedale 2nds 17

THIS was an anti-climax with the hoped for big test for Foresters scuppered by Tynedale turning up with just 13 men.

The visitors were reliant on Wharfedale’s willingness to provide extra players.

It was to Tynedale’s credit that they never flinched under a considerable onslaught.

A quick-moving passage of play gave full back Josh Prell the opportunity to cement his reputation as a clinical finisher with a try which was converted by James Druce.

Second row Simon Willet pounced for a pushover try and Harry Bullough, sprinted through a gap to add another, which was converted by Druce who was playing at centre to allow Prell to show his skills at full back.

Bullough then turned provider to create a try for the supporting Druce who also added the conversion.

The Foresters started utilising their replacements with the improving Jack Kitching getting another chance to show his developing skills.

The Foresters front row of Jimmy Meehan, Jake Parkinson and George Altham were again dominant and were well supported by locks Jim Mason and Willet.

The back row of Sam Smith, the returning Aaron Myers and Tom Burridge, were hungry for work and proved difficult for the opposition to control.

Another fluent move gave Nathan Myers a welcome back try which was converted by Druce. What a heart-warming sight it was to have the Myers brothers back in the Green shirts.

Nathan was rewarded with a pushover try before Druce ran in his second and added the conversion.

It was 45-0 at half-time and the decision to loan Tynedale props Meehan and Altham in the second half led to them scoring two tries.

This was shortly followed by a lovely try from their fly half which was converted.

However, just before their last try, Burridge had gone over for a pushover try which Druce again improved.

After a sloppy spell of play, Tom Baines went over for a try as he produced another lightning burst.

The star of the show was Chris Howick who once again proved that a good rugby player can play in any position.

He switched from the back row to centre and demonstrated that he is most definitely a man for all seasons.