Wharfedale 19 Sheffield Tigers 29

WHARFEDALE’S brand of fast and open rugby saw them take a 14-point lead in the first 20 minutes before their poor tackling allowed the Tigers to snatch victory.

There could have been a plethora of tries in the opening quarter but Dale’s lack of passing and handling accuracy stopped them from scoring more.

The first attack, in the second minute, saw Tom Davidson split open the defence, but the scoring pass went astray. Minutes later a penalty kick to touch was sent deep into the visitors' 22 by Jamie Guy. A catch and drive edged towards the line but when the ball was spun wide the scoring pass was spilled.

Number eight Josh Burridge opened the scoring for the Dalesmen after 13 minutes with a solo burst from the 22. Guy added the conversion

The Tigers' restart went deep to Robbie Davidson who had space to build up speed. His strength and nimble footwork enabled him to take the ball up to Sheffield’s 22.

Four phases later, when the backs and forwards had worked hard to drag in the defence, Robbie Davidson scored after well-judged cross kick from Guy which had been collected by Harry Bullough. Guy converted again.

The first try from Sheffield was an indication of what was to follow. Three tacklers failed to halt Steven Walker who opened the scoring for the visitors.

This was repeated minutes later to allow Peter Swatkins to touch down under the posts. With Thomas Outram converting both tries, the scores were level.

Tom Davidson took Wharfedale back into the lead with an unconverted try but Sheffield answered with a good handling move which put Henri Packard over. Outram’s conversion nudged the visitors into the lead at half-time.

The second half was a tense affair but it was Sheffield who broke the deadlock with a well-taken penalty shot from Outram.

After an even more horrendous display of tackling, Swatkins stretched the lead to ten points with an unconverted try and a hard-earned bonus point victory.

There was a lucky let off for Wharfedale when Sheffield full back Swatkins charged from deep into Dale’s 22. With a try looking certain, he passed inside and found Alex Graham who was stopped in his tracks by an excellent cover tackle from hooker Dan Stockdale.

Dale were scoreless in the second half but there were chances to earn a bonus point. Hats off to Robbie Davidson who stepped up to take a long range penalty which was the last kick of the game, and would have earned the team a bonus point. He went close but not close enough.

George Hedgley was frustrated when a good looking pass which saw him get a free run to the line was judged to be forward.

It was a tight call but not the reason for Wharfedale's defeat. The problems have been evident for most of the season. The purple patches are not enough to sustain victories while the weak tackling and sloppy ball handling have outweighed the brilliant moments and led to the defeats.

Wharfedale R Davidson; Wellock, H Bullough, T Davidson, Jordan; Guy (Bell 53min), Lawn; Larkin (Close 36min), Stockdale (Larkin 69min), Asejevs (Huck 35min, Asejevs 70min), Hedgley, Ward (Allen), Baldwin (capt), Wilson (Hall 32min, Wilson 41min), Burridge