NORTHALLERTON first team continued their dismal run with a 41-33 defeat away at Wensleydale on Saturday.

After a bright start to the season, winning four out of the first four, North have now lost three games on the trot and may need to rethink their tactics and tackling training.

The Dale went ahead after only three minutes with a penalty awarded for North being offside. North to their credit came straight back at the home team and five minutes later went over for a unconverted try in the corner from Graham Currigan.

North then seemed to capitulate and conceded three converted tries in the next 15 minutes giving Dale a 24-5 lead.

Five minutes from half time Jack Tart gave North a glimmer of hope with a well taken try in the corner which was converted by Jedd Bainbridge. However more missed tackles caused North to concede another converted try before half time to go in at the break 31-12 behind.

North gathered themselves and seemed more organised in the second half and pressed Dale back into their own half. Despite some heroic defending from the home side, North scored two quick tries through Iain Swall and Tart, both converted by Bainbridge to bring North to within five points.

Just after the hour mark North's frustrations grew and were penalised for hands in the ruck. The Dale fly half easily converted the penalty to increase the lead by eight points.

Five minutes from time, Currigan, who is enjoying a renaissance period in his ageing years, went over for his second try of the game and with Bainbridge's conversion, it left North only one point behind.

The home team went over for the match-winning try two minutes from time, and the fly half again, excellently converted the try from near the touchline to put Dale eight points clear and out of touch.

North's man of the match was awarded to Ollie Walters.

Next week North are at home to Wath, kick off at 2.15pm.

After more than fifty calls from the second team coach Paul Dixon, Northallerton seconds managed to get a 16-man squad out for the 30 minute trip to Wensleydale. North however fell to a disappointing defeat by a score of 59-19. North's cause wasn’t helped by three yellow cards during the game which contributed to their downfall. North's points came via tries from Alex Rogers, Connor Richmond and Simon Lawrie. Tom Peacock added one conversion.

Next week North seconds are at home to Acklam Hustlers, kick off at 2.15pm.

Northallerton Ladies also supplied four players to help Ripon Ladies with their fixture against Scarborough Ladies – Ali O’Brien, Amanda Collins, Josie Arthur and Emily McCormack.

O’Brien and Collins both got a try each and Arthur came very close with a couple of lung-busting forays on the wing.

Despite North's assistance, Scarborough still ran out winners, but Amanda Collins was awarded player of the match.