1 week Ago
WHARFEDALE'S winning streak came to an end on Saturday, as hosts Chester claimed a 45-28 victory in the April sunshine. Ahead of the game the Green Machine had won their previous three league fixtures, but it wasn't to be on this occasion. On balance Chester deserved the win but, as one of their coaches admitted, the score flattered them.
Two break away tries made this look like an easy win for the home side but it was anything but. Chester kicked off with the breeze behind them and were soon on the attack. They regathered the kick-off and set up shop in Dale’s half.
Three times Dale tried to clear their lines but the ball was fielded by Chester and ran back with interest. The third time it led to a try when Andrew McMinimee ran around the defence to touch down for an unconverted try. The visitors struck back with some equally good rugby.
Sam Dickinson competed well at the breakdown and won a penalty. From the successful lineout Dale went through 12 solid phases and had a penalty advantage. Ben Blackwell bulldozed through the defence and offloaded to Louis Verity.
Elliot Stockton was on hand to take the scoring pass and Robbie Davidson’s conversion nudged the visitors into the lead. Dale looked to have the game under control but their luck ran out. From a scrum situation, Chester kicked the ball into touch for a 50-22 and from the line-out, and after four phases of play, they broke through the middle for Harry Graham to touch down.
Morgan Bagshaw added the extras. More horrendous luck was to follow. Dale again seemed to be in total control and 14 phases saw them living in the home side’s 22.
They opted for a scrum when a penalty was awarded and ran a first phase ball to the right. Speedster, McMinimee, intercepted the ball and ran 90 metres unopposed to extend Chester’s lead. The conversion gave Chester a 12-point lead.
The Green Machine then joined the party and won a penalty at a Chester scrum. The ball was sent 14 metres short of the line. The ball was won and an efficient catch and drive saw Robbie Collinson being awarded a try.
Davidson was again successful from the tee. Controversy before half-time saw Chester awarded a penalty and the kicking tee was sent on to the field. The hosts were allowed to kick for touch and from the lineout went on to score.
Ben Ivory touched down and Bagshaw added the two points to make it 26-14 at the break. After the interval the expected charge from the visitors stalled and it was Chester who crossed the whitewash first with George Spalding touching down for an unconverted try. Dale did gain some strong field advantage but they weren't able to punish the hosts.
The pack rumbled over from a 5-metre line out with Dan Wills scoring a converted try. Chester scored next after good work and then a superbly timed offload saw James Hampson clean through for a converted try. Back came Wharfedale with the pack driving Wills over from a ten-metre lineout.
Davidson continued his excellent kicking from the tee to bring Dale back into contention and, at least, hoping to secure a second bonus point. The horror show ended with another interception try for Chester from halfway. Sam Earl-Jones was the scorer and Bagshaw added the conversion to make it 45-28 to the hosts at full-time.
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