Wharfedale Foresters 34 Huddersfield 20

FORESTERS soon realised that this was a much stronger outfit than the one they beat 54-0 in the Yorkshire Merit Premiership seven days earlier.

Huddersfield were sharper and quicker to the ball in the first 20 minutes as the Greens were outgunned and outclassed.

The visitors established a 13-0 lead with two penalties and a converted try.

Foresters had to quickly pull themselves together and show significant improvement.

Captain Matt Hall, playing his last game before moving away, looked to rouse his side from their slumbers

A couple of forward passes didn't help the Foresters' cause before a good move resulted in a try in the corner for Ralph Wellock.

Wharfedale were now, thankfully, showing signs of good team play and pressure on the visitors defence resulted in a penalty, converted by Rhodes to reduce the deficit to 13-8 at half-time.

By this stage centres Mark Simpson and Simon Crabtree were coming more into the game giving wingers Wellock and Oliver Whyte opportunities to show their worth and full back Ben Parkinson tried valiantly to join into attacks whenever possible.

First team skipper Rob Baldwin made his return from injury as a half-time replacement and he was soon encouraging and advising the younger players.

Simon Borrill and Tom Jackson were also introduced as the Foresters started playing more like themselves.

Jim Mason made a strong run and the supporting Ben Parkinson burst through to score a try which was converted by Andy Rhodes to give Foresters a 15-13 lead.

They increased the advantage when a good passing move sent Wellock in for his second try, and that was quickly followed by a deserved score for Sam Smith. Two conversions from Rhodes stretched the lead to 27-13.

Huddersfield were under the cosh but rallied to score a converted try.

Foresters were determined not to let victory slip from their grasp and wrapped up the win when a drive of some 22 metres led to Jake Parkinson scoring under the posts. Rhodes' conversion rounded off the scoring.