WHARFEDALE’S Development XV beat Old Brodleians 38-15 at the Avenue in unusually benign weather conditions for February in Upper Wharfedale.

The young Dales side faced a wily, heavy and committed opposition and for a long time they struggled to impose themselves on the game.

Wharfedale had a strong scrummage, a lively pack in the loose and flair in the backs, but Old Brods were strong in the tackle and made the most of the opportunities they had.

The game began promisingly for the Greens, a superb break from centre James Raper was eventually held up over the try line and from the resulting five-metre scrum centre Scott Rodgers burst through for a score to make it 5-0.

Old Brods replied with a period of pressure that led to a penalty.

From the kick-off, Wharfedale surged forward but with the goal line in sight a wayward pass was intercepted by Old Brods winger who ran 70 metres to dot down under the posts. The try was converted, making it 10-5.

From the restart, Wharfedale had the upper hand and pounded away from close quarters and scrum half George Marshall darted in for a converted try.

The pattern of Wharfedale pressure and magnificent Old Brods' defence continued for the rest of the half until a loose ball was gathered by Old Brods in their half and a superb cross-field kick was gathered by their right wing, who jogged in for a try.

Wharfedale finished the half with a 17-15 when they scored a try from short range.

The second half saw the Dalesmen turn their territorial and possession advantage into points as Old Brods' defence slowly buckled under the pressure.

From the kick-off, Wharfedale pressured the defence and won a line-out five metres out and a superb catch and drive saw second row Matthew Colgrave bulldoze over for a try converted by Jonathan Davies.

Wharfedale spent much of the rest of the half camped in Old Brods' territory. The visitors did not help themselves by having a player yellow carded and engaging in ongoing, animated conversations with the referee.

Keeping their discipline and focus, Wharfedale scored two more converted tries from close quarters, the first by their prop and a second score for Colgrave from an excellent line-out and maul.