Foresters book final spot with scintillating home display

Having already met the Raiders in two closely fought fixtures already this season the Foresters expected a close encounter but Tynedale, as hard as they tried, could not match the determination and pace the Greens provided. Dale had their visitors on the backfoot for the majority of the contest.

In the early stages the packs seemed to be reasonably equal but as the game developed the Foresters front row of Tom Whitehead, Sid Holden and Adam Stubbs with locks Ellliot Stockton and Jack Burton in support gained control and by the conclusion were comfortably superior. Stockton had a thrustful all round performance both in attack and defence. The pack was completed with a back row of Ben Blackwell, Olly Bullock and Max Mountain and initially through the energetic drive of Blackwell came the first try completed by Bullock in the corner. An excellent conversion by Farnworth, who kicked admirably all afternoon opened the score at 7-0. Blackwell was to prove a real handful to the opposition throughout the game.

The next try came via good line movement involving several players with the touch down completed by Finn Walker. The conversion was not completed but soon after Farnworth slotted over a good penalty to make the score 15-0. A slight “hiccup” next as scrum half Omar Kaup-Samuels was yellow carded for a minor infringement but this did not slow down the Foresters progress as Sid Holden, following good work from the forwards, thundered over for another try, not converted but a lead of 20-0. Continuing with fast attacking moves the next score came from Ollie Bullock again after good forwards control, converted to give a score line of 27-0 and at this stage the Greens were truly dominant.

Tynedale never ceased to be competitive though and deserved their try just before half time, converted to allow the sides to turn around at halftime with the home side 27-7 in front and the prospect of playing “to the river” tempting. Sure enough, shortly into this phase of the game, Walker, the “Flying Finn “ ( so christened by Adge ) shot over in the corner with speed to burn, delightful conversion by Farnworth and 34-7 on the board. Credit again to Tynedale as they came back with a try of their own to make it 34-12. The Wharfedale backs were at this stage of the game concentrating on total attack. Farnworth , besides his kicking ability always keen to link up with the threequarters, the wingers Walker and Gill showing admirable speed and determination and both centres Johny Moore and Tom Darwin provided excellent link play and the latter after a brilliant break went over for the next Foresters try, converted and 41-12 to the Greens.

The half backs of Kaup- Samuels and Max Bell both had truly good solid games, passing well and providing that key link so necessary to keep play moving at all times and it was Kaup-Samuels who scored next, rampaging through with determination, converted by Farnworth and 48-12. This was quickly followed by an excellent break by Darwin , another try converted and a score of 55-12. Another fast display along a series of players gave Ben Speight the opportunity to add his name to the try scorers , which was shortly followed by a Tynedale try in the dying minutes and a final score line of 62-17.

So, it’s a final for the Foresters on Saturday, and win or lose all supporters of the club should realise how lucky they are to have a “back up” team with the quality of the Foresters, who provide entertainment of the highest value week in and out. This season has been so frustrating for the Foresters and club supporters are well aware of this and appreciate your loyalty to the Club.

Squad :- Tom Whitehead, Sid Holden, Adam Stubbs, Elliot Stockton, Jack Burton, Ben Blackwell, Ollie Bullock, Max Mountain, Omar Kaup-Samuels, Max Bell, Finn Walker, Johny Moore, Tom Darwin, Joe Gill, Marcus Farnworth. Replacements;- Will Beecroft, Luke Craven, Ben Speight, Zeb Hayes, Spencer Bennett, Jack Kitchen, Paul Marklew.