Tynedale ran out very worthy winners in the battle of the Dales and played some strong rugby. A large crowd turned out in superb sunshine to cheer on one or other of the Dale sides. Tynedale finish second in National 2 North and are in the playoffs to decide who makes it to National 1 next season. Wharfedale finish in the top half of the league, a credit to the squad which, because of a long injury list, has all played a big part.

Luck was with Tynedale early on, and two fortunate bounces saw them run in two tries. Archie Haddon knocked over a penalty in between to get Dale on the board. Cameron Grant converted the second try. The penalty was the result of good work by the Green Machine. The forwards are carrying the ball forward on nearly every phase and breaking the gain line, and the backs are nearly breaking through. The award came from a defensive Tynedale scrum when great pressure was applied again by the Wharfedale eight and the Tynedale front row all popped up.

Wharfedale were competing well and had chances to score themselves, and eventually Orson Hall broke through the defence to touch down for an unconverted try. Hall, coming off the left wing, took a well-timed pass from Will Bell which left the defence flat-footed. The visitors scored again before the interval with a well-worked try for James Telfor. Tynedale had multiple phases in Dale’s 22, and Telfor darted over after throwing the defence with a quick dummy. Grant’s conversion gave them an 11-point lead at halftime.

The important bonus-point try was scored by Seamus Hutton. Tyne opened up the second half with some strong play, and despite resolute tackling by Dale, they managed to squeeze Hutton over out wide. Wharfedale kept in touch with a try by Sam Dickinson following up after a break by Brad Viner.

Jake Rodgers and Charlie Turnbull scored tries for the visitors, who played some very good rugby with forwards and backs combining to stretch the Wharfedale defence. Grant converted both. Dale absorbed more pressure in midfield and forced a mistake. Alfie Weston picked up the loose ball on his own 10-metre line and sped away to the touchline for a converted try for Wharfedale.

Sam Turnill scored the final try for Tynedale, which ended a superb afternoon for the visitors. Good luck was wished to them from the home support, players and management as they try to gain promotion to National One via the play-offs.

So, a long season has ended for the Greens. Again, all players gave 100% to the shirt and should not be dismayed at coming up against a team playing well, playing aggressively and playing committed rugby.

Wharfedale Haddon; Viner (Bell 65), Trees, Cicognini (Kaup-Samuels 55), Weston (Hall 30); Bell (Weston 50), Morgan; Dickinson (Ward 77), Stockdale (Holden 65), Ward (Green 59), Heys, Hedgley (c), Tweedale (Borrill 40), Fawcett (Tweedale 70), Beresford