Wharfedale vs Billingham 13/08/22

In the second of the weekends pre season fixtures, Billingham travelled into the depths of Yorkshire where they faced National 2 North outfit in Wharfedale.

A picturesque location and with the sun beaming down it was a glorious day for a game of rugby.

With the temperature hitting 30 degrees it was always going to be tough on both teams.

Wharfedale showed their squad depth naming 30 plus players with Billingham travelling with a smaller squad of 21. There was also a notable return of front rower Dan Dixon… could it be?

The game played over 4 quarters saw the game swing back and forth.

Billingham made the first breakthrough. Ben Walton picking up where he left off last season, breaking the line following a deft Joe Evans pass. A spilt ball saw Husband kick through for the flyer Sol Kench kick on, outpacing the full back to touch down. Jobe Roxby sent the kick sailing through the posts… the perfect start!! Bellingham’s large travelling support erupted!

Billingham had the advantage and it wasn’t long before Wharfedale were pinned back in their own half. Peter Evans finding the corners with pin point accuracy. A forced mistake in the line out saw Billingham win the turnover.

Burns, Clark and Walton all carrying before the ball found it’s way to Sol Kench who stepped two players to score under the posts. Roxby added the extras. 0-14…. First 20 complete.

Both sides made changes. Dixon into the front, Kirkbride for Ben Walton, Myers for Padley.

It was Wharfedale who came out of the blocks with an error by Billingham. An opportunity try… 7-14

Both sides went toe to toe. The physicality increased. Luke Armstrong throwing his big frame around in the centres. Myers scything opponents down and Jackson being a menace at the breakdown. It was Jackson’s steal that led to Connor Fewster fizzing a pass wide to Evans. A clever worked phase of play and an interchange of passes which eventually found Jobe Roxby who dotted down in the corner. Conversion missed. 7- 19

The half time whistle couldn’t come sooner for both sides as the temperature didn’t seem to drop. A much needed water break needed.

As the second half started, the one thing you can’t do is write off a Nat 2 side. Wharfedale we’re pumped. An early try and possibly the try of the game. An individual chip and chase score saw Dale come back into the game. 14-19.

The dynamic John Padley returned much to the delight of his travelling support from North Ribb. Clark returned. A fresh face on the wing (to be revealed) Edgy for Foulds and Winstanley for Fewster.

The game became more open as the legs tired. Dale came back into the game again and took the lead when a tiring defence let Dale through. 21-19.

The last 10 minutes saw Billingham be Billingham. Offloads, turnovers, wangers and kick passes the lot. Mike Walton and Ryan Kirkbride made dents in a tiring defence but both were tackled short of the line. Spoors carried hard through the middle with Graham and Burns supporting. Peter Evans having more influence on the play but it was a Padley and Myers combo that stole the ball from Dale, Winstanley fizzed the ball to Evans who showed a clean pair of heals to score under the posts.Roxby added the extras… 21-26

With a minute left on the clock, last minute changes from Dale, they stole the ball back from Billingham and attacked hard. A gap through the middle but a resurgent Billingham managed to scramble back with Husband and Evans making impressive cover tackles. Billingham turned the ball over… the rest is history as they say.. FT 21-26

A big victory against a tough, tough opponent. With pre season fixtures hard to come by this was vital hit out for the lads.

Thank you to Wharfedale for their hospitality. We wish you all the best for the season ahead.

Next week we have a development squad face BBOB at the Headland.

Thank you to all our support today.

We continue to build!

#OSIOS