Wharfedale hit by the yellow peril as they lose to Leicester Lions

WHARFEDALE are still searching for their first National League Two North away win after suffering defeat at the hand of the third-placed Lions.

The Leicester side had the upper hand in the first half but often lost their shape and Dale managed to hold on to trail just 10-7 at half-time.

Tom Benjamin scored a fourth minute try for the Lions which Eliot Bale converted.

The Greens hit back midway through the half when the Lions player Matthew Tuckey the first of a stream of visitors to the sin bin.

Hooker Dan Stockdale burrowed his way over the line and Tom Barrett levelled the scores with the conversion.

A penalty from Bale restored the home side's lead, but there was no further scoring before half-time, although Wharfedale were reduced to 14 men five minutes before the interval when skipper Rob Baldwin was shown the yellow card.

Wharfedale started the second half brightly and edged ahead when Josh Burridge was driven over the line.

Referee James Leahy became the centre of attention as he handed out a succession of yellow cards.

Wharfedale's hopes were scuppered as Scott Jordan (twice) and Josh Burridge were banished to the sin bin.

Dale stormed out in the second half and a catch and drive from

With the Greens short on numbers the Lions pounced. Devon Constant grabbed two tries, Benjamin got his second and Marco Dallavalle also crossed.

With Bale in excellent kicking form the Lions secured an emphatic victory.