Hartpury College 25 Wharfedale 30

WHARFEDALE got their National League One programme off to a winning start in Gloucestershire.

Dale started strongly and their early pressure was rewarded when Tom Davidson kicked a penalty.

The home side were reduced to 14 men when one of their players was shown a red card for stamping.

Wharfedale capitalised with a try from Chris Howick which was converted by Davidson for a 10-0 lead.

Hartpury came to life and turned the game around with two converted tries and two penalties to lead 20-10.

That advantage was reduced by three points when Davidson landed his second penalty.

Davidson’s third successful kick came during a lively start to the second half by the visitors.

It was quickly followed by a try for new lock Simon Willet which Davidson converted for a 23-20 lead.

With 12 minutes to go, prop Adam Howard crashed over for Dale’s third try, again converted by Davidson.

The plucky students found a second wind and finished strongly and scored an unconverted try.