WHARFEDALE coach Jon Feeley is pleased with the Greens' improved mindset to get back to winning ways after coming off consecutive defeats.

The Dalesman returned the Avenue last Saturday to triumph 25-5 over a physical Luctonians side.

"There was a little bit of hurt pride and disappointment from the the week before (the 48-12 defeat at Loughborough Students)," said Feeley. “We've turned around consecutive losses against a strong side coming off the back of consecutive wins.

"That takes some mental strength and we showed what we are capable of. They were a physical side and to reduce them to five points was a phenomenal effort in conditions, which suited a more direct approach.

"We improved our mindset in the most positive way.

"Our decision making in the conditions was far more pragmatic. I was particularly impressed with our kicking game and domination of possession. We choked them of opportunities and it took a toll on their confidence. We asked them to do a lot when they had the ball."

"We also had a strong set-piece game. It was difficult to make inroads against us in the scrum."

Feeley praised the performances of several players, including Oli Cicognini, who was named Star Man.

"One of the keys areas where Oli dominated the game was aerially," said Feeley. "He's good in the air and puts pressure on the opposition's wingers because he's very good at winning the ball."

Feeley also said his wingers - stand-off Jack Blakeney-Edwards and Henry MacNab - were accurate with their kicking throughout the match. He added that Blakeney-Edwards had an all-around outstanding game, as he kicked some difficult conversions and penalties.

He also praised the play of the squad's youngsters, five of whom played in last year's National Colts Cup winning squad, including first team debutant Louis Verity and Oscar Canny, who scored his first try at senior level.

This Saturday Wharfedale travel to the Humberside to take on Hull, a team who are one place above Wharfedale in the table (11th) with 31 points.

Feeley said: "Hull came from the league below , but we know they're a team who has strengthened with players from higher leagues as they want to stake their place in the National League Two North. We need to exploit this lack of cohesion in their team."

Going into this Saturday's game, Feeley said for the first time in long while the Greens did not pick up any new injuries.

However, a couple of key players will again not be available this week.

"Matty Houghton is still recovering from a concussion Harry Bullough, who injured his foot against Caldy, is not yet available."

To cover Bullough's absence at the weekend, Rian Hamilton moved to full-back, Canny started on the wing and Ben Blackwell moved to centre to form a formidable centre partnership with Jonny Moore.

The match at Hull kicks off at 2pm.