Wharfedale started the game strongly, and for the opening fifteen minutes West, even with the wind, found it difficult to retain the ball; their opponents forcing them back with a series of well-aimed kicks, and West not helping themselves by conceding a series of penalties. Wharfedale never really threatened the West line however, and West gradually asserted themselves. After twenty minutes Aaron Myers took a swift penalty and went over next to the posts for a try which Rob Bellerby converted. West were now on top and it was no surprise when from a 5 metre scrum Tom Dougherty sent Luke Austin over for a second try in the corner, and a 12-0 half-time lead.

The second half began poorly for West. A high kick with the wind behind it was taken cleanly by full back Bellerby, but unfortunately he slipped on landing and spilled the ball. A hack-on by the chasing Wharfedale player led to a converted try under the posts, and Wharfedale were back in the game.

West were still looking the more likely to score, but the passing fluency of last season wasn’t there, and the concession of penalties was worrying. The fears were justified when another bout of indiscipline led to a Wharfedale penalty narrowing the gap to 2 points.

West’s back line was then disrupted with centre Peter Dewhirst and scrum half Dougherty both leaving the field injured, but they could have still have won the match when, after strong run, winger Austin went over in the corner, only for a match-saving tackle to force him back behind the line before he could ground the ball. The importance of the tackle was proved when, in injury time, Wharfedale won a scrum in West’s 22, and Stephen Mooney’s drop goal gave Wharfedale victory.

A narrow defeat, but still a disappointing one for West. The passing was rarely quick or controlled enough, and lack of discipline led to far too many penalties being conceded, and too much possession being given away, often when they were in promising positions. Hopefully, the Moortown match on the 25th will see a different performance.