THERE is a growing recognition that Wharfedale might survive in National League Two North by home form alone.

Their 27-3 bonus-point victory over Tynedale last Saturday in what was their game in hand moved the Green Machine up two places to 11th.

They are now above Luctonians and old foes Harrogate with a ten-point gap above Scunthorpe who occupy what is likely to be the third relegation spot.

"We have now won six on the bounce at home and we have another home game on Saturday against Harrogate," said 19-year-old Wharfedale flanker Lewis Wilson, who is on loan from Yorkshire Carnegie.

"If we win that, it really will be a case of happy days.

"If we keep on winning our home games then we will be fine, but it would be nice if we could transfer some of that home form when we go away."

Although they drew at Cinderford (26-26) last season in National League One and picked up losing bonus points against Sheffield Tigers (14-8), South Leicester (21-20), Hinckley (31-30) and Harrogate (20-17) this season, the Dalesmen haven't won away from home in 18 matches since their visit to Hull Ionians (15-16) on December 12, 2015.

Wilson, who is on loan from Yorkshire Carnegie, said of the Tynedale contest, where Wharfedale played uphill first: "We expected the muddy conditions, and for the first 20 minutes we kept the ball really well and played in the right areas.

"Our catch and drive was class, and it is something that we had practised in training."

Given the horrendous conditions, with rain sweeping downfield on the wind, there were very few knock ons by either side, and the chief question at half-time, when Wharfedale led 12-3 having had 80 per cent possession and 90 per cent territory, was could they maintain their form in the second half playing downhill.

They answered that in emphatic fashion, with Wilson and No 8 Josh Burridge (2) adding to the first-half tries by hooker Dan Stockdale and centre Jamie Guy.

Former Pocklington School pupil Wilson added: "I am really enjoying it at Wharfedale and am learning a lot but next season I hope to establish myself in Yorkshire Carnegie's team and play for England under-19s, while I want to play for England under-20s the season after."