Wharfedale 15 Rosslyn Park 27

WHARFEDALE saw a 15-3 half-time lead evaporate as Park made better use of the conditions in the second half to produce a splendid away win.

The excellent tactical kicking of Scott Sneddon was a key factor as he repeatedly pinned the home side back in their 22.

The mudbath conditions were not conducive to good rugby, but the two teams produced a compelling contest.

There was an understandably scrappy start to the game as the players tried to get to grips with the wet ball and slippery before scrum half Phil Woodhead took play deep into the Park 22.

When the home defence gave away a penalty Jamie Guy stepped up to open Wharfedale’s account.

The stand-off had the chance to increase the lead minutes later but the wind caught his kick at the last moment and it drifted just the wrong side of the post.

Sneddon made his first impression on the game in the 13th minute when he levelled the scores with a penalty.

Poor kicking prevented Wharfedale from taking full advantage of the strong wind which was in their favour and they often found themselves pegged back by Sneddon’s shrewd kicking.

The home defence proved solid and a superb turnover from George Hedgley enabled Wharfedale to break out of their own.

Hedgley also had a hand in the game’s first try. He won a line-out in the Park 22 and the pack produced a superb drive which resulted in Chris Howick getting the touchdown. Guy’s conversion attempt slid past the post.

A super kick from Guy earned Dale a line-out outside Park’s 22. Cleanly taken ball was then driven home at a canter from 30 metres out with Howick again being awarded the try. Guy’s conversion stretched the lead to 15-3 at half time.

Playing up the slope and into the wind was always going to be hard for Wharfedale and so it proved, particularly with Sneddon repeatedly kicking his side into good positions. On one occasion when the home side got into Park’s 22 the stand-off sent them back to defend a five-metre line-out.

Both sides earned a yellow card in the second half but Park made light of their loss and continued to progress their score.

Sneddon’s field kicking was matched by his 100 per cent place kicking. A successful penalty kick after 44 minutes was soon followed by a penalty try to which Sneddon added the extras. The try was awarded after the referee had urged Wharfedale not to infringe while defending their line.

On three occasions warnings were given and a lack of control meant seven points given away and Matt Beesley picked up a yellow card.

Another try looked on the cards as Park gained a line-out only eight metres out. Hedgley stole possession and Dale cleared.

Sneddon drove them back to their own line with a well place kick. Again the Green Machine worked to get out of their 22 and the pack drove forward until they were only stopped by cynical play from Park’s Harry Elrington which earned him a yellow card.

Dale came close to scoring when a clearance was charged down. After consultation with his assistant, the referee awarded a 22 drop out.

Two minutes later Sneddon again sent a soul destroying kick which rolled into touch five metres from Dale’s line. He then showed his all-round ability by taking a bad pass, and with the defence flying into his face, he put in a deft grubber kick which he collected himself to score. Hugo Ellis rounded off the scoring for Park with try from a catch and drive.

Sneddon converted both to put the seal on his side’s victory.