Sedgley Park 24, Wharfedale 29
Wharfedale completed a bonus-point double over Sedgley Park but had to scrap for the victory.
The Dalesmen’s forwards showed a marked improvement in the set-pieces, with young scrum half Philip Woodhead enjoying a splendid match in his first league start.
After Park centre Matt Riley’s penalty had put the first points on the board, an opportunist try got the Greens underway.
An attempted clearance from inside the goal area was charged down and Woodhead pounced to score, Bedworth adding the extras.
The lead was extended to 12-3, hooker Gavin Hindle taking the honour after a pack drive from a line-out.
A disjointed second quarter – disrupted by a spate of yellow cards – ended with Park 16-12 ahead. Riley slotted a brace of penalties before Alastair Allen and Rob Baldwin were sent to the sin bin, together with Park centre Chris Hall.
The home side capitalised on the Greens’ weakened defence, Chris Wilkinson worming his way over under the posts.
Wharfedale regained the lead via a fine individual converted try by Mark Bedworth before Riley landed his fourth penalty, briefly tying the scores at 19-19.
Another Bedworth break left Chris Malherbe clear and the conversion, plus a penalty, opened up a two-score margin but a try by Tom Blackwell set up a nervy finale.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here