Dale and Ionians get pulses racing

Wharfedale ............ 14 Hull Ionians ........... 14

PULSATING match ended with both sides taking a share of the points.

Wharfedale spent the first period of the game defending in their own half, but Hull couldn’t break the Dale defence which was its usual resolute self.

Wharfedale gained the upper hand when they drove Hull back at a scrum and were awarded a penalty outside their 22.

A great touch kick gave the home side a line-out on Hull’s 22.

From that line-out they won second phase ball which was moved through the hands, with space made for Bradley Viner to score an unconverted try.

Wharfedale then attempted to press home their advantage but could not add to their opening score.

Eventually Hull were allowed out of their 22 and Ben Smith slotted two penalties just before half time to give Hull a slender lead at the interval.

The visitors extended their lead in the second half with a catch and drive from a five-metre line-out, with Josh Thundercliffe getting the unconverted touch down.

Back came Dale with two penalties from Tom Davidson to level the score at 11 all. Both sides added another penalty to finish an exciting match.

TEAMS

WHARFEDALE: Bullough, Viner, Canny, Davidson, Cicognini, Blakeney-Edwards, Gaudie, Altham, Stockdale, Beesley, Green, Borrill, Jack Pinder, Markey, Burridge Replacements: Dickinson, T Jackson, C Jackson, Fawcett, Kincart HULL IONIANS: Burnhill, Wilson, Britton, Townend, Hill, Smith, Metcalfe, Morton, Stephenson, Laverick, Makin, Peters, Mewburn, Hudson, Sanderson Replacements: J Thundercliffe, Campbell, Sanderson, L Thundercliffe, Burden

REFEREE: Ben Davis

ATTENDANCE: 265 Star man

Tom Davidson - Wharfedale