Wharfedale 32 Luctonians 22

THE deadly boot of Tom Barrett helped Wharfedale to a much-needed National Two North win at The Avenue.

The stand-off kicked three drop goals, three penalties and two conversions for a personal of 22 points.

Barrett's efforts ensured that the Greens triumphed despite being outscored four tries to two by their opponents.

It wasn't all plain sailing as there were a few jittery moments for the home faithful to endure, but unlike the recent one-point defeats at Hinckley and South Leicester, Wharfedale were able to preserve their lead.

The Greens built the foundations for the win in the first half as they established a 23-5 lead, but Luctonians hit back after the break as they scored three tries.

They would have gone home with a losing point but for a last-minute penalty from Barrett.

Despite his decisive contribution with the boot, Barrett was not his side's only key performer. Scrum half Phil Woodhead and flanker George Hedgley were outstanding.

Wharfedale were given territorial advantage from the kick-off when Luctonians could only clear to just outside their 22.

Hedgley rose for the ball at the line-out and the pack drove on and set up Barrett for his first drop goal.

A series of line-out wins enabled Wharfedale to build up a head of steam and prevented Luctonians from making any headway.

With Barrett's boot working sweetly, Luctonians were forced deep into their 22.

The pressure eventually told when the pack, from another clean line-out, drove the Midlanders back and skipper Josh Burridge crashed over for a try which Barrett converted.

Dale did give away possession from a line-out just after the restart but soon won the ball back and Jamie Guy sent a towering kick deep into Luctonians' 22.

Great follow up work from Harry Bullough, Scott Jordan and Tom Davidson earned Dale another attacking line-out.

This time Dale were penalised for transferring the ball, after Tom Whyte’s clean take.

Dale were soon on the attack again and an audacious dummy from Woodhead gave him the space to race into the 22. Unfortunately, he could not find his support and decided to chip ahead but the ball just ran dead.

Luctonians then had their best period of the first half, which eventually saw Louis Silver scoring wide to the right.

Barrett kept the scoreboard ticking over with his kicking before a Tom Whyte turnover led to another touch kick from Barrett.

Burridge secured the line-out and the backs were let loose. Clever work from the back line with Tom Davidson used on a dummy run and Jordan appearing in the centre gave space for Harry Bullough to round his man and reach the line.

Luctonians opened the second half with two tries. The first was a penalty try which was converted by John Morris.

Minutes later Alex Smith scored after an exhausting 28 phases of play in Dale's 22.

A catch and drive led to Luctonians bonus-point try with Joseph White being awarded the score.

Barrett's accuracy from the tee and out of hand kept Wharfedale ahead as he struck a drop goal and two penalties in the final 14 minutes.

Wharfedale H Bullough; Re Davidson, T Davidson, Guy, Jordan (Prell 72); Barrett, Woodhead; Altham, Stockdale (Whyte 41, Stockdale 69), Asejevs (Huck 65), Howard (Larkin 77), Rhodes, Hedgley, Whyte (Poole 40), Burridge (c). Replacement (not used): Jimmy Bullough.