HAVING failed to score a try at home to Hartpury College in November, when they shipped 45 points, Wharfedale ran in five at the second-placed club last Saturday in the return fixture.

And although the Greens' 54-29 defeat didn't alter their position at the foot of the table, despite them picking up a bonus point, it boosted morale.

Wharfedale's first-team coach Jon Feeley said: “The quality of rugby we played was outstanding, and you could say it was a reward for enterprise.

"At The Avenue we couldn't achieve a score of any kind. Here we scored five superb tries as a result of 20 players being committed.

"We did make a slow start – they were 21-0 behind after 17 minutes – but that was more down to Hartpury's attack, and their winger Jonas Mikalcius who has already signed for Harlequins.

"He scored four tries but Josh Prell was opposite him, carried the ball more than I have ever seen him and had the best game I have seen him have in a Wharfedale shirt."

Feeley added: "Also our captain Rob Baldwin led with one of the finest performances I have seen, dominating their back row, and others followed his great example.

"We only kicked the ball twice in the match, and our ambition to play regardless of field position was matched by superb individual skill levels.

"How quickly we adapted to the change in approach and worked to retain the ball was fantastic, and our discipline was an area that will probably be overlooked after such an entertaining game, but it was key.

"We didn't lose anyone and focused on denying Hartpury opportunities. Keeping all of our men on the field enabled us to play the 15-man rugby that we wanted.

"Also (backs coach) Andy Hodgson in the centre played superbly, giving the players outside him confidence.

"It is difficult to keep Andy off the pitch if there is a chance of him playing, and I do worry about a duty of care to him as he has had so many injuries, but he works so hard to keep himself fit."

Wharfedale are likely to have a similar squad to face leaders Richmond at The Avenue a week on Saturday, but Feeley will still take in two games this weekend, watching Simon Mason's development team at home to West Leeds Seconds tomorrow (7.00) and the Foresters at home to Hull Ionians on Saturday (3pm).