Hot hosts shining brightly to secure victory

Wharfedale…..40 Billingham……. 17

By EDWIN WILLIAMS

THE sunshine brought out the crowds at the Avenue and they were treated to some excellent flowing rugby.

The visitors opened the scoring with an intercept try by Luke Wilson after 12 minutes.

But Dale started to get on top, and a break by Oliver Cicognini led to play close to the Billingham line and Ollie Riddiough darted over for a try, converted by Robbie Davidson.

The hosts started playing some more accurate rugby, with the ball flowing along the backs for Bradley Viner to score in the corner. An excellent conversion by Davidson made it 14-5 at the break.

Strong play by the pack was followed by more good play by the backs. A break by Josh Prell was offloaded to Rian Hamilton for an unconverted try.

Dale’s third was a result of clever play from a 5-metre line-out. Billingham did not contest, but Elliot Stockton kept the ball at the front and was rumbled over for a try.

Confidence was showing in the backs and Hamilton was set up for his second try, and Harry Bullough scored after more good handling. Davidson again converted to bring up the 40 points.

Fair play to Billingham who ran in a couple of tries by Jamie Lane to give their travelling support something to shout about.