First-half display is just enough to give Wharfedale National League Two North victory over Chester

AN outstanding first-half performance by Wharfedale was enough to gain them a valuable four points and move out of the relegation places.

However, two things happened in the second half as Chester secured an amazing comeback: Dale seemed to lose their game-plan and the Chester substitutes made their attacks much more effective.

The hosts started the game at an electric pace, and only loose play stopped them crossing the whitewash.

Jimmy Bullough opened the scoring with a try, set up by Tom Barrett and Dan Stockdale, and Barrett added the conversion.

More flowing rugby followed, with forwards and backs combining to put Barrett over, who again added the extras.

Chester briefly came into the game, and a penalty from Callum Bennett was fair reward, but superb running from Tom Davidson and a timely pass allowed brother Robbie to touch down under the posts.

Barrett's effort from the tee meant that Wharfedale went in at half-time with a 21-3 lead.

Dale scored first in the second half with a Barrett penalty but the sin-binning of Richard Rhodes was costly as Chester hit back with an unconverted try from Harrison Vare, a Joshua Morris penalty and his conversion of Ross White's try brought them within a score.

A Barrett shot from 44 metres steadied the home crowd's nerves but another Morris three points meant that the last three minutes were fingernail-biting time for the home support, with a great cheer of relief going up with the final whistle.

Man of the match: Lewis Wilson (Wharfedale).

Referee: Dr Jonathan Cook.

Attendance: 287.