Wharfedale kick off their pre-season programme with victory over Kirkby Lonsdale

The sun shone at the Avenue to greet the start of a new season. There has been the usual rumour and talk about who will be wearing the green this year and those matters still have to be resolved.

There were some different faces last Saturday. Some were returning, others were new and few stepped up to the first team. They all had their chance at showing what they can do.

There will be another chance for the management to look at the players on Saturday when the first team travel to Hull Ionians.

The match was the usual pre-season mix of good moments with a blend of confusion and scrappy play.

The visitors played a strong part in the match and at one stage in the second half looked as though they could grab a victory.

Dale, captained for the first time by Dan Stockdale, deservedly led 10-0 at half-time with two unconverted tries from Jake Parkinson and Joel Gill.

It could well have been more but credit was due to Kirkby Lonsdale for keeping Dale at bay.

Kirkby rarely visited Dale’s 22 but were handed the ball deep in the second half and good support play eventually led to a try when Cameron Dale finished strongly.

Ryan Terry converted to close the gap to three points and minutes later Kirkby were again deep in Dale’s 22 with an attacking line-out and looking to take the lead.

Simon Borill claimed the ball for Dale and the threat was over.

Another stolen line-out saw Dale trying to run out of their half but being held by the visitors until a long pass from Josh Burridge found Josh Prell in a tiny bit of space.

It was enough for the talented winger to create a bit more and set off on an awe inspiring run using speed, swerve and strength.

His run included four hand offs and took Prell into the Kirkby 22 where he offloaded to Harry Dunne.

He kept the move going and shovelled the ball to Burridge. For the second time in the move, Burridge passed to Prell who popped over the line for a fantastic try which Marcus Farnworth converted.

Overall it was a pleasant afternoon and many positives to take back to the training ground.