With Storm Amy blasting down the dale, this was always going to be a match won up front. So it proved. Playing down the slope, Wharfedale established an early scrum dominance. With good tactical kicking by Archie Haddon, and a secure lineout, Wharfedale held the advantage in territory and possession. This lasted throughout the game. In the home team pack, both Sam Dickinson and Joe Fawcett were strong in the tight and dynamic in the loose. George Hedgley was a also real presence in defence and attack.

With the advantage of the wind, five minutes in, Ben Blackwell powered over for a try under the posts, which Archie Hadden converted. On ten minutes came Dale’s best attacking move of the game. Joe Fawcett broke out of defence, off-loaded, and was then in support for a return pass. From outside the 22 he outpaced the Tigers defence to score out wide. When Jake Armstrong scored on the quarter hour, Wharfedale had a 19-0 lead.

But Wharfedale have not forgotten recent comebacks by Sheffield Tigers on their visits to The Avenue. When the ever-impressive Jamie Broadley scored two tries in quick succession, there were worried looks in the crowd. Nerves were lessened just before half-time when Wharfedale’s pack rolled hooker Dan Stockdale over the line. The clinical Haddon added the extras, giving Wharfedale a 16 point lead at the break.

Would this prove enough, with the wind and slope now in favour of the visitors? Again, Wharfedale’s forward dominance proved crucial, keeping Tigers pinned back for the first 20 minutes of the second half. No score was added, though, and when on the hour Louis Redfern-Brown dotted down for the visitors, a close finish looked likely. Again though, the home pack took control. They set up camp in Tigers’ 22, and a series of scum penalties led to a yellow card for the Tiger’s replacement prop Tom Wand. On 75 minutes Blackwell stormed over for his second try of the match.

Considering the conditions, the attacking intent, and handling of both sides, was admirable. If the Wharfedale pack was the difference between the two sides, the enterprise of the backs should not be forgotten.

Wharfedale Director of Rugby Simon Verbickas was understandably delighted with the performance. “Today’s result is extremely satisfying and a reflection of the hard work put in across the weeks both on and off the pitch. The planning, preparation, and recent adjustments to the playing squad due to injuries, all came together effectively on the pitch. As always, our focus remains on continuous improvement — refining our performance in every area. The players showed real character, commitment, and execution today, and I’m immensely proud of their efforts. We’ll take the positives, learn from the mistakes, and turn our attention to the Rossendale game next weekend.”

'Star Player' – Joe Fawcett, Wharfedale

Referee: Peter Connor

Attendance: 395

Half time Score: 26-10

Scorers:

HOME TEAM
Tries (player name and time): Blackwell 5 & 75, Fawcett 10, Armstrong 15, Stockdale 37

Conversions (player name and time): Haddon 6, 16, 38, 76

AWAY TEAM

Tries (player name and time): Broadley 29 & 33, Redfern-Brown 60