Wharfedale 33 Sheffield Tigers 53

WHARFEDALE surrendered a 33-8 lead as they conceded 45 unanswered points to suffer a confidence-denting defeat which leaves them rooted to the bottom of National League Two North.

The Greens looked to be on course for their first home win of the season until their second-half collapse.

Their defence was torn apart by the Tigers' open style of play which saw them score eight tries.

Jamie Broadley orchestrated the show with his devastating running which brought him a hat-trick of tries, while Henri Packard went one better with four tries.

Packard opened the scoring with Packard's first try before Wharfedale hit back with second row Kieran Frost going over after a catch and drive.

Tom Barrett converted but was unable to add the extras when prop Joe Altham added Wharfedale's second try soon after.

Former Otley stand-off Mark Ireland kicked a penalty for Tigers before George Hedgley finished off a fine Wharfedale move. A penalty try which resulted in Tigers flanker Frank Wragg being sin-binned, completed a fine half for the hosts.

The second half started well for Wharfedale with Richard Rhodes scoring a try from a line-out which was again improved by Barrett.

Tigers were undaunted by the 25-point deficit and roared back with devastating effect.

Broadley scored the first of his tries with a run from deep and that was followed by a scores from Greg Mellor and Packard, all converted by Ireland, as the lead was reduced to 33-29.

Packard’s third try took Sheffield into the lead and the demolition continued with two more tries from Broadley and a fourth for Packard. Ireland added the extras to two of them to leave Wharfedale shocked and stunned.