Foresters 31 Tynedale 21

FORESTERS became only the second team to defeat the Northern Pilot League leaders in a ding-dong battle.

The two sides had to contend with atrocious playing conditions and it was no surprise that there were a string of errors from both sides.

The Greens turned out another strong squad and played against the elements in the first half.

They came under pressure in the early stages but were well served by their hard-working pack. Tom Whyte impressed in the line-out on his return from first team duty.

Just when it looked as if both sides were struggling to get to grips with the conditions, Josh Prell produced a moment of magic.

Prell, who had a splendid game, broke clear after good work by the backs. He beat, several opposition defenders before passing to the supporting Ben Parkinson who went over for an excellent try.

Wharfedale were prepared to run the ball at every opportunity and their enterprise was rewarded when Simon Crabtree went over for a try which Andy Rhodes converted.

The Greens received a bonus just before the break when excellent work by the forwards led to the award of a penalty try. Rhodes landed the conversion for a 19-0 lead.

Tynedale were in no mood to give up the fight. They hit back with a converted try to make it 19-7 at the break.

Wharfedale hoped that half backs Jimmy Bullough and Rhodes would be able to use the elements to keep Tynedale on the back foot.

Wingers Prell and Oliver Whyte tried their hardest to make ground on the gluepot-like pitch

The backs capitalised on good line-out ball to create the chance for Crabtree to further enhance his impressive try-scoring record. He scored under the posts and Rhodes added the conversion.

Tynedale would not lie down and yet again fired back at the Foresters with a converted try and to reduce the lead to 27-14.

Once again play switched to the opposite end and following another good line-out, a driven maul gave Jake Parkinson the opportunity to claim yet another try.

The home side looked home and dry at 31-14, but Tynedale are a proud side and fought back again. A third converted try was a just reward for their efforts.

Foresters: Parkinson, O Whyte, Simpson, Crabtree, Prell, A Rhodes, J Bullough, Close, Parkinson, Jackson, Mason, Allen, Smith, T Whyte, Swainson. Replacements: G Altham, Davies, Mason, McNab.