Wharfedale Foresters 35 Hull Ionians 19

At long last, after a run of three matches called off by the opposition, the Foresters were able to have a proper run-out.

It gave them the chance to consolidate their position at the top of the Northern Premier League with their seventh win in eight matches – the other one was drawn

The Greens started off with great intent and immediately created chances putting Hull on the back foot, resulting in a try in the corner by Ralph Wellock. This was converted by James Druce from the touchline.

Slack tackling and muddled tactics saw Ionians cash in with a superb try, but a spell of forward pressure saw Foresters score their second try through Ian Larkin. Druce again added the extras.

Once again they allowed their advantage to be clawed back as missed tackles led to Ionian scoring a converted try to level at 14-14.

The second half saw centres Andy Rhodes and Will Davidson valiantly attempting to get the line moving.

Unfortunately, much of the Greens play lacked cohesion and needed controlling influence from the senior players.

Will Lawn was introduced at scrum half and the youngster settled down to make a competent contribution.

Larkin’s second try, converted by Druce, established a 21-14 advantage, but they seemed to take their foot off the gas and Ionians hit back with a breakaway try which closed the gap to two points.

The rustiness from four weeks without a game was apparent. Whereas Ionians’ kicking game was well directed, Wharfedale’s was ill directed and meant they surrendered a lot of hard-earned possession.

The Foresters are at their best with ball in hand so there poor kicking was particularly frustrating.

As the game entered the final quarter the influence of the Wharfedale pack became more pronounced.

They made sure of the victory with fine tries from Will Bell and Lawn which Druce converted to maintain his 100 per cent success rate from five attempts.

Foresters: Druce, Wellock, Rhodes, Davidson, Lawn, W Bell, M Bell, Hall, Smith, Larkin, Davies, Powell, Jackson, Stockdale, Altham. Replacements: Matt Close, James Arden, Harris Gatley, Mark Simpson.