NORTHALLERTON first team made the short journey down the A1 to play Wetherby RUFC for the first time since the season of 2014-2015 when Wetherby won 3 out of 3 encounters. This time though it was North who just edged proceedings, winning 29-22 to maintain their unbeaten run and top spot of Yorkshire 2.

Norths players admitted after the game that this was their most tiring and physical game they had played for a while, with no time to relax or switch off.

The first half was thoroughly entertaining with both teams swapping tries tit for tat, North just creeping in front scoring three tries to two.

Norths first try from Iain Swall followed good work by the forwards before Wetherby then responded with a try themselves. Norths next two tries came from the backs with, firstly Sam Taylor then Ben James both scoring a try a piece, Ashley Rio with both conversions, one from the touchline. Sandwiched between the two tries were there was a converted Wetherby try and penalty to send the teams in at half time 15-19 to Northallerton.

The second half was also a tight encounter with North again just out scoring the home team by two tries to one.

Jonny Frank showcased his amazing sidestep for the first North try, before Wetherby replied with a converted try to close the gap to just two points.

After seventy minutes North freshened their side up bringing on hooker JP Coyne for the tiring veteran Simon Manthorpe and swapping Jeremy Deas to back row. This paid immediate dividends with a try for Deas in the corner.

Despite immense pressure from Wetherby, North held on for the remaining ten minutes to seal the win.

Man of the match was awarded to Jonny Frank.

Next week North are at home to Old Otliensians with a 3pm kick off.

North second team travelled to Heath and put in a valiant effort before falling to a 29-17 defeat. Scores were level 17-17 going into the last fifteen minutes before Heath pulled away.

Norths tries came from Jack Radcliffe (2) and Stan Parry. Brian Tucker adding one conversion. Man of the match was awarded to Jack Radcliffe who just got the vote over Paul Dixon. Both players must surely be close to a first team recall in the near future.

Next week North seconds are also at home, but to Otley 3rd team, kick off 3pm.

Northallerton Ladies team also continued their successful season with a 50-20 win over Hornsea Ladies. North had five different try scorers with Emily McCormack leading the way with three tries, followed by Steph Welford (2), R Ridley, H Coombes and J Chapman.

Special thanks to Hornsea for making the journey despite being a few players short.

Next Sunday 28th, Northallerton Ladies have another fixture at home to Rotherham with a 2pm kick off.