Double win for Northallerton RUFC at home to Wensleydale

Norths first team showed plenty of spirit and endeavour with a 33-17 home win, while the seconds won by a score of 55-5 thanks to a well combined squad effort.

Northallerton first team fell behind after only two minutes when they were penalised for being offside. The Dale fly half stepped up to convert the penalty and take a three point lead.

A few minutes later a defence splitting gallop by Iain Swall was halted five yards short of the try line, but the ball was quickly recycled out wide for winger Ben Pilling to score an unconverted try in the corner.

On the 15-minute mark North increased their lead with a straightforward penalty in front of the posts from Oliver Walters.

Two minutes later, quick thinking by the Dale scrum half caught North napping when a quick tap penalty enabled Dale flanker Finn Metcalfe to score under the posts and give them a 8-10 lead.

North again showed their resilience and came right back with another penalty from Walters, followed a few minutes later with a try from Matthew Clark to regain the lead 18-10.

North managed to keep Dale in their own half for long periods but the visitors did look dangerous on the counter attack with their younger backs looking lively.

Man of the match Oliver Walters

Five minutes before half time a brilliant display of how to correctly tackle someone and drive them five metres backwards and enable a turnover, was showcased to perfection by Alexander Metcalfe. After a couple more phases from North's backs, their efforts led to a try in the corner for Tom Graham.

On the stroke of half time North had a scrum five yards out and Dale were expecting an attempt for a pushover try, North however, quickly shipped the ball out to winger Tom Peacock to score in the corner. Half time 28-10.

Ten minutes into the second half Dale came back into the game with a try from the other Metcalfe, Oliver and a conversion from Jim Reynard.

North kept a tight hold on the game from then on, knowing if they allowed another score for the visitors it could cause then real problems. North therefore kept possession and slowly ground Dale down, and on the hour mark Metcalfe finally went over for another well deserved try, the conversion again falling just short.

North were well in the ascendancy for the last 20 minutes and had two or three more chances to score but faltered at the last hurdle, partly down to their own mistakes and partly due to Dale's never say die attitude and tackling.

Final score 33-17, North's man of the match was awarded to Ollie Walters.

Northallerton's second team had a very strong squad of 24 players, which Dale sportingly agreed to North using so everybody got a game. North's scorers were Connor Richmond, Ben Gray, Dave Baker, Phil Swall, and five tries from team Fiji who were Mark Volavola, Rupeni Caucauniboca, Waisale Serevi (two) and Campese Ma’afui.

Gareth Essex notched five out of nine conversions. Man of the match was awarded to Connor Richmond.

Next week Northallerton RUFC are on tour to Carlisle where they will be playing a couple of well spirited friendly games. League action for the firsts will resume on March 26 away at Wath Upon Dearne with a 3pm kick off.