The tempo was much better and although there was a much better vibe, penalties against are still in need of further work, as they are allowing easy points for the opposition, whether from a ‘shot at goal’ or lineout ‘catch and drive’.

Still, the coaching staff and all connections were pleased with the performance against a side who were best suited to the conditions on the night, which were horrendous, it having rained persistently all day.

Despite the poor conditions, both sides managed to put on an excellent handling display and to entertain a decent Friday night crowd with plenty of inventive attacking play and solid defence.

Mowden were ‘on it’ from the kick-off and wing Archie CALLAGHAN opened the scoring for Mowden with a determined effort (5 – 0), converted by Flynn WARD (7 – 0), closely followed by a diagonal run across a flat=footed defence from skipper Liam CHECKSFIELD reaping a score (12 – 0), again added to by WARD (14 – 0)

Mowden were dominant in the first half and despite a Wharfedale try from flanker Jack Pinder (14 – 5), converted by Jack Greig (14 – 7), Mowden were in the ascendency until the break for oranges, managing another individual try from scrum half Ben DOUGLAS, (19 – 7), converted by WARD.

The promise shown by the home team, in their play before the break, unfortunately went un-fulfilled after the break. However, this was more to do with an improved Wharfedale fightback, than any issues on the part of Mowden, with stand-in No. 8 Callum MACKENZIE and hooker Tom LARDER to the fore.

Mowden Fijian flanker Joeli VARO was shown a yellow card for some over-exuberant tackling and Wharfedale’s Greig added the first second half points from the resultant penalty. (21 – 10)

Mowden’s WARD followed that penalty with one of his own (24 – 10), as Mowden looked to add to their tally. However, the visitors showed some solid defence, repelling several red zone forays from the Mowden forwards.

Wharfedale the mounted a plethora of incursions into the heart of the Mowden red zone, with Mowden themselves repelling some strong efforts from the visitors, until Wharfedale’s Pinder bagged his second try (24 – 15), with the afters provided again by Greig. (24 – 17)

Mowden then managed to retain the scoreline with a mixture of excellent defence and some excellent game management until the final whistle.

Much credit to both sides for the entertainment on show despite the wet conditions and torrential downpours.

An important win for Mowden, as despite the injury list, the players promoted did not look out of place and with players returning from injury soon, all augers well for the remaining games this season.

Next week, a tough trip to the Marl Pits HQ of Rossendale!

COME ON PARK!!!