The Green Machine nearly let 31-point lead slip
Wharfedale….. 31 Preston G………. 21
WHARFEDALE bounced back from last weekend's defeat to Sheffield by beating Preston Grasshoppers, but did survive a late scare.
The Green Machine opened up a 31-0 advantage just after halftime, but the Grasshoppers produced a spirited fightback. With five minutes to go, they had closed the gap to ten points, but their first-half showing did the damage.
Dale opened the scoring in the third minute with an unconverted try by Jack Pinder. Robbie Davidson scored Dale's second after some good passing by the backs gave him space on the wing. He converted the try from the touch line. Dale added to their tally with a penalty try after a fine catch and drive was pulled down on the line.
TEAMS
WHARFEDALE: Hodgson, Davidson, Coulton, Cicognini, Gaudie, Verity, Riddiough, Dickinson, Patchett, Armstrong, Stockton, Hedgley, Pinder, Markey, Beresford Replacements: Meehan, Collinson, Green, Viner, Prell PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS: Browne, Lightowler, Maher, Keohane, Spence, Hunt, Harrison, Pope, Holden, Ashdown, Naylor, Murray, Norrington, Willetts, Richardson Replacements: Wilkinson, Williams, Townsley, O'Donnell, May
REFEREE: Michael Harris ATTENDANCE: 387
Star man
Ben Markey -Wharfedale
The Green Machine moved a catch and drive from 12 metres out and Ollie Riddiough had the space to reach for the line for an unconverted try. Minutes later Ben Patchett was driven over and Davidson converted.
Then Preston came to life. First Jake Pope scored with Edward Keohane converting. The second try was scored by Ciaran O'Donnell, again Keohane added the extras. There was now some urgency in the visitors play and minutes later Harvey May touched down for their third converted try before Dale then closed the game out.
