14 man Bees end Wharfedale 3s unbeaten home record 38:37

Wharfedale started full of confidence and with Bees seeming to give up possession at every opportunity then the it was no surprise that the 'Dale ran in 4 first half tries.

The only real surprise is that the Bees managed to hold onto the ball and score the best try of the match and from that little acorn did a mighty tree grow! The try was a true team effort after the Bees forwards managed to execute several phases and move the ball out of their own half and put the dale defence on the back foot. Text book quick ball and the centers hit the line hard in turn and then slipped the ball out to find Nick Gore tearing up the pitch from full back. Nick moved out wide at pace but with the defence closing quickly there seemed no option but to take the tackle. Nick eluded the hit and drew the full back before slipping the ball out the back to Ryan charging up the wing. With the pass behind him and defenders close by Ryan managed to hold the ball behind his back and still spring forward and race on to score in the corner.

The score gave hope and with chinks seen in the 'Dale line out then the half time team talk was used to hatch a plan. Who would have thought that a penalty from the kick off would bring instant success. Kick to the corner, line out on the 5m. Catch and drive - try Cookson. Dale hit back straightaway but with the Bees taking ever more territory tries followed for Paul McCumisky and debut hooker Curtis Fletcher. With desperate defence came more penalties and more line outs in their 22m. The pressure resulted in converted tries with Withers and Bilsey and Bees moved into the lead for the first time with 7 minutes left. With Wharfedale down to 14 men the result was not in any doubt.

And what was that half time team talk from cookie?
We 14, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Even Withers shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen no shows in Bingley now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Dico's day.