Cinderford 26 Wharfedale 26

JAMIE Guy held his nerve to kick a last-gasp conversion from the touchline to earn Wharfedale a draw in their National League One basement battle at Cinderford.

The full back’s big moment came after Chris Howick had scored his second try of the game in the final minute.

The successful kick meant that each side finished with three points after a well-contested match.

Wharfedale coach, Tom McGee was pleased with the performance. He said: “There was a response needed after our last game and I felt overall we got it.

“We changed a few things around slightly in our preparation but the focus moving into this game was to be positive in our play, defend with urgency and aggression and go out to get the five points.

“We got some pace into the game and although we were a bit loose with the offload on occasion we were positive, tried things, created line breaks and opportunities so I was pleased with our intent.”

He added: “It was a real good game of rugby, I thought our guys raised their games significantly and had a real go, we scored a couple of cracking tries. There were some outstanding efforts, Harry Bullough, Chris Howick particularly.

“Credit to Jamie Guy he had a few moments in his game but he stuck with it and the kick to get the draw in the conditions and under the circumstances was superb. Having James Doherty back with the group has made a massive difference and will have an impact on the remainder of the season.

“Moving forward there's 60 points to go for and we'll be going for every one of them, we will continue to remain positive, play high tempo rugby and keep challenging ourselves to be as good a team as we can be.”

The sense of togetherness was evident from the start of the game. Ball won by the forwards was well used by the backs. The support play and recycling was much better in a good game of committed rugby.

The early exchanges saw Wharfedale repeatedly pushed back into their 22 by the superb boot of Cinderford’s stand-off Michael Wilcox.

The pressure brought the first score after nine minutes. Cinderford’s George Mills went over from a catch and drive and Wilcox added the extras.

This score seemed to spur the Dalesmen on. Rob Baldwin claimed the kick off and went on a charge. More green shirts joined in and the move ended with Cinderford’s drop out.

Again Baldwin took the ball and led the charge. The move was carried forward by skipper Josh Burridge. Cinderford’s defence held out until it was shattered by a break from Phil Woodhead.

Stand off Will Bell was on hand to finish the move under the posts. Guy had no problems with the conversion to level the score.

Perhaps the best move of the game, with crisp handling and strong support, led to Marcus Brown taking Cinderford back into the lead with a converted try.

Once gain Dale hit back and finished the first half the stronger. A converted penalty try left the sides tied at 14-14 at half time.

Wharfedale started the second half brightly and went ahead for the only time in the game when a 20 metre catch and drive saw Howick awarded an unconverted try.

Brown’s second try of the game levelled the scores before on-loan Exeter Chiefs player Jerry Sexton put Cinderford 26-19 ahead with a score which was converted by Michael Wilcox.

The Green Machine again finished strongly and were rewarded with another try from Howick which left Guy with the task of converting from the touchline to secure a draw, a task he accomplished with aplomb.

There were many positives from this encounter for Wharfedale. Every player contributed and nobody gave less than100per cent.

The line-out was nigh perfect and the scrum solid. The back row of Baldwin, Burridge and Howick were effective all afternoon with their solid tackling, bruising ball carrying and ability to force turnovers.

Will Bell, Jimmy Bullough and Josh Prell stepping in for the injured Cameron Hudson, Oliver Fewtrell, Maxime Labasse and Matt van Sertima were superb.

There were still errors but the travelling faithful were heartened by this display and all concerned hope that this is a taste of better times to come.

Wharfedale Guy; Prell, Morgan, Bullough, Tai; Bell (Doherty 31), Woodhead (Bell 74); Steel (Altham 61min), Graham (Poole 40min), Cano (Wade 40mon, Cano 67min), Hedgley, Powell, Burridge, Howick, Baldwin. Replacement (not used) Hodgson.