Wharfedale Foresters 50 Tynedale Raiders 10

FORESTERS returned to action with an impressive performance to sweep aside the early Northern Pilot League leaders.

The Greens were fitter and faster than their opponents as they played the type of rugby that has brought them so much success in the Yorkshire Merit Table.

The first minutes of the game were frenzied with little control being shown by either side but the Foresters settled the quickest. They went ahead when James Druce shot over for a try, which he converted for a 7-0 lead.

The Greens went further ahead when a terrific push towards the river by the forwards led to a try from the impressive Simon Crabtree which Druce again converted.

Tynedale hit back with a converted try and a penalty to cut the Foresters’ lead to four points.

Wharfedale were unruffled and responded with a second try for Crabtree and a penalty try, converted by Druce, to establish a 26-10

By this stage it was noticeable that Tynedale were starting to tire and the Greens went on the rampage.

A lovely try from the swift and energetic Josh Prell was converted by Druce and was quickly followed by a richly-deserved Will Davidson try.

The impressive forwards also started showing their prowess. A good break by replacement hooker Ian Larkin saw him break clear for a good try, converted by Druce.

Another burst from the forwards saw Jake Parkinson run in the final try of the game.

Foresters: Druce, Prell, Crabtree, Davidson, Parkinson, Rhodes, Bell, Altham, Parkinson, Huck, Davies, Baines, Kitchen, Hall, Allen. Replacements: Larkin, Solomi, Simpson.