SMASH and grab Wharfedale won a thrilling game against Hinckley at the Avenue on Saturday.

The proceedings started with a minute's silence for all the fallen in the two World Wars.

With playing conditions good considering the rainfall on Thursday, Wharfedale got off to the perfect start with a bullocking run by Rob Baldwin, and then some slick handling by the forwards putting Rian Hamilton in for a try in corner. The conversion was missed.

In the 10th minute, a clearance kick by Hinckley was gathered by Harry Bullough, who off loaded to Josh Prell to make a 30-yard break and return the ball to Bullough to score. Jack Blakeney-Edwards added the extras to make it 12-0.

Hinckley then enjoyed a period of complete dominance in both possession and territory, but some superb defence by Wharfedale kept them at bay.

However, in the 32nd minute Hinckley pressure was rewarded when Henry Povoas was driven over under the posts. Joseph Wilson added the extras.

Wharfedale came back with a line-out on the halfway line. It was won by Rob Baldwin, who released the backs to feed Rian Hamilton to run a great line to score under the posts. Blakeney-Edwards added the extras to make the half-time score 19-7.

Hinckley upped the tempo in the second half and from a line-out in the 45th minute, Joseph Wilson went over in the corner, but the conversion was missed.

Hinckley missed a long-range penalty and the clearing kick was successfully chased down by Prell. In the resulting maul, Baldwin got the ball away and Matt Speres scampered over the line for the bonus point try. The conversion was missed.

Hinckley came back, and quick ball from a line-out and some missed tackles resulted in Sam Greening scoring in the corner. Wilson added the extras.

Wharfedale and its many supporters survived a nervous final six minutes to run out winners 24-19 and gain five points to move them to mid table in National Division Two North.

The game was about taking opportunities when they arrived and although Wharfedale had far less possession than Hinckley, they created four clear chances and took them to deserve victory.

For long periods, Wharfedale had to defend their line and the tackling was exceptional, Jack Hirst and Baldwin being the pick of the forwards whilst Sam Gaudie was as busy as ever keeping the opposition honest.

This Saturday's game away to Chester will provide new challenges, where ball retention could be key to another victory on the road.