Wharfedale’s chairman of rugby Michael Harrison has praised the Greens fans.

Survival in National League One was only confirmed on Saturday, April 30, and he said: “For the last seven, eight or nine games, we were on tenterhooks in what has been a difficult season.

“The crowd support we got in those last seven games, or even less than that, was phenomenal, and we applaud that.”

He added: “The competition this season has been as good as I have known it, and a club was relegated with 12 wins out of 30 (Redruth).

“We are also proud that six of our players were selected for Yorkshire against Cheshire - Rob Baldwin (captain), Dan Solomi, David Hughes, Chris Black, Steve Graham and Tom Barrett.”

Graham won the club’s David Paling Trophy as the most improved player However, Harrison also wanted to put the record straight on the first team’s tactics in the season just gone.

He said: “An awful lot has been said about the style of play that we adopted, and certain people have laid it at coach Tom McGee’s door.

“It is rubbish that he invented it - it was a decision made by senior management and the senior players.

“We have won leagues before on our way up with a forward-based game of rugby.

“Wharfedale like to play good rugby but it is not always possible, and you play games with what you have got.

“I am sure that next season will be different as we should have a lot more potential in the backs with Dan Hart, Luke Gray and, hopefully, Adam Whaites returning.”

Harrison praised the third and fourth teams for giving lads the opportunity to play rugby week in and week out in a less intense atmosphere.

He added: “We had four fathers and sons at our players' dinner who have played in the same team this season, and another father and son who have done the same who aren’t here.

“That is something that will not be repeated anywhere in this land.”

Wharfedale president John Spencer said how proud the Dalesmen were to receive the Whole Club Seal of Approval from the RFU - only the third club in Yorkshire to gain the accolade - and he also praised Wharfedale’s Cavalry Club members for their financial backing of the Greens.

Stalwart Ian Austin, who plays in any position asked for the fourth team, and even for the opposition when they are short, as well as picking up Wharfedale’s shirts for away matches, was named Clubman of the Year.