Pocklington 13 Wharfedale Foresters 24

A YOUNG Wharfedale Foresters side were rewarded with a hard-fought away win their opening Yorkshire Merit Premiership game.

They opened the scoring after only three minutes. Rory McNabb took an intelligent quick tap penalty and passed to Madison Hunting for their first try. McNabb converted to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.

The hosts replied with a penalty after a brief foray into the Dale half but the Foresters were on top and thrilling breaks by Harry Bullough, Kristian Sharples and Louis Verity all nearly led to tries.

Rory McNabb converted a penalty to make it 10-3 to Dale, before an enterprising break from Hunting saw Henry McNabb released to score their second try. His brother converted yet again.

Pocklington then changed tactics by playing narrowly in possession and utilising the size of their forwards and centres. This approach led to them scoring a penalty to reduce the deficit to 17-6.

The last play of the first half saw an uncontested scrum near to the Greens' goal line. Pocklington powered over in the corner for a well converted try to move within four points.

The Foresters never took a backward step despite the second half descending into a gritty arm-wrestle, as they defended bravely at ruck and maul.

Their determination paid dividends and a fantastic break down the wing by hooker Tom Jackson led to a period of pressure on Pock’s line.

Joe Fawcett eventually went over from close range for a try and McNabb converted to wrap up a 24-13 victory.