Hartpury College 54 Wharfedale 29

WHARFEDALE’S new adventurous approach brought them five tries and a bonus point but it could not save them from defeat against the National One title chasers.

Interim coach Jon Feeley has said he wants his side to approach their relegation battle with bold attacking play and he certainly got his wish.

Unfortunately, they took a while to get into their stride and were 21-0 down after just 17 minutes.

Harry Cochrane capitalised on weak tackling to score the first try before outstanding winger Jonas Mikalcius ran in a double after quick ball was fed wide. Gareth Thompson landed all three conversions.

Wharfedale picked themselves up and responded by getting some useful possession and territory from good work by Josh Prell, Jamie Guy and Rob Baldwin which led to a try by Ali Wade on his 21st birthday. Guy added the extras.

Phil Woodhead broke through deep into Hartpury territory and nearly gathered his chip ahead before the home side struck again.

The visitors and spectators were dazzled by Mikalcius who took the ball in his own 22 and using a combination of speed, strength and body movement, ran 80 metres to score his third try.

Wharfedale responded before half-time when flanker Jack Barnard crashed over for an unconverted try to make it 28-12 at the break.

The spectators were being treated to a feast of open rugby and Wharfedale set the tone for a thrilling second half when Josh Prell stormed up to half way after collecting the kick off.

Matt Beesley and the forwards carried on the charge forcing Hartpury to concede two penalties.

The pressure paid off when a catch and drive from a five-metre line-out was stopped just short of the line and backs coach Andy Hodgson seized his chance to score

Hartpury's next possession saw them have to work through 18 phases. Dale's defence was determined but in the end they were stretched and James Forrester had space to cross unopposed.

Dale's line-out then back fired and Hartpury were handed field position. A converted try from James McDonald took the score to 42-17.

With nothing to lose, Wharfedale flung the ball about and were soon deep in Hartpury’s 22 for Barnard to score his second try. Guy added the two points.

Wharfedale refused to adopt a kicking game and ran the ball from everywhere. It was a tactic that wasn’t without risk.

The flowing rugby resulted in gaps in defence and Wharfedale lost the ball and Mikalcius ran in his fourth try from 80 metres.

The points fest still wasn’t over. Good work at a five-metre line-out from inspirational captain Josh Burridge and Baldwin led to an unconverted score for Alistair Allen.

Hartpury finished the scoring with their eighth try from Jake Polledri, the only one that Thompson did not convert.

Despite the defeat there is clearly life still in Wharfedale who are determined that they will attack their battle to beat the drop with gusto.

Wharfedale: H Bullough; J Prell, Hodgson, Morgan, Tai; Guy, Woodhead; Beesley (Altham 29, Beesley 40, Altham 56), Graham (Stockdale 25, Graham 56), Cano (Wade 29, Cano 74), Preston-Routledge, Willet (Allen 74), Burridge, Barnard, Baldwin (c). Replacement not used J Bullough