Wharfedale 26 Henley Hawks 17

WHARFEDALE eased their relegation fears with a hard-earned victory over opponents who are also fighting to stay in National League One.

The Greens summoned up the sort of spirit and determination that coach Tom McGee called for as they clawed their way back from 14-3 down to win the game.

Both sides were guilty of squandering early possession before Henley's Thomas Bliss opened the scoring with a try which Liam O'Neill converted.

Jamie Guy opened Wharfedale's account with a penalty, but Henley continued to have the better of the exchanges. This was due largely to the fact that they made far less errors.

Thomas Hall went over for Henley's second try and O'Neill again supplied the extras as the visitors opened an 11-point lead.

Wharfedale's followers were fearing the worst when No 8 Rob Baldwin was yellow carded. In fact, it seemed to galvanise the home side. Their tackling, which had been poor and was a contributory factor in both Henley's tries, suddenly became determined and resolute.

No points were scored in Baldwin's absence and his return saw Wharfedale attack the Henley line. It looked as if their chance had gone when the ball was lost, but the alert Jordon Poole charged down a clearance and scooped the ball up to score a try which Guy converted from the touchline.

Wharfedale came out for the second half looking more assured. There were still mistakes but control of possession and territory improved.

Wharfedale’s kick off was gathered by Henley who went through ten phases trying to get out of their own 22.

The Greens had their tails up and an excellent catch and drive from a line-out forced Henley to defend desperately.

The pressure led to the visitors conceding a penalty which Guy kicked, but it seemed meagre reward for some strong play.

Henley were rattled and Wharfedale's second try wasn't long coming. Sensing space and a disorganised defence, Cameron Hudson ran the ball after a turnover and broke into the 22.

James Doherty carried the attack up to the try line and it was Hudson himself who was on hand to apply the finishing touch. Guy's impeccable boot added the extra two points.

On a rare excursion into Dale’s half Henley narrowed the deficit to three points with a penalty from O’Neill.

Wharfedale ended the game strongly as Henley spent the last 13 minutes with reduced ranks as Charles Davey and Simon Perry were sent to the sin bin.

Two more penalties were landed by Guy to take his personal tally to 16 points and round off the scoring.

Chris Howick, Guy, Poole and Hudson all had outstanding games but Howick’s nomination as star man was widely applauded.

Guy had his most assured match in a green shirt this season. He was secure, and his kicking from hand in general play, and when kicking to touch, was a crucial feature of an important win

Wharfedale: Guy; Fewtrell (Doherty 30), Morgan (Hudson 10), Bullough, Prell; Bell (Fewtrell 54), Woodhead; Steel (Altham 50), Graham (Poole 30), Cano (Beesley 59), Hedgley, Powell, Burridge (c), Howick, Baldwin