Club rugby: Wharfedale's bid to escape relegation suffers blow

Toms Asejevs crossed the whitewash for Wharfedale at South Leicester. PIC: Gary Longbottom

Wharfedale were dealt a blow away to South Leicester in a National Two North 27-16 defeat in the Midlands.

Tries from Oli Cicognini and Toms Asejevs, plus two penalties from Tom Davidson, were not enough for the North Yorkshire side as they look to escape possible relegation.

Otley had to settle for a losing bonus point from a 28-21 loss at Macclesfield, while Huddersfield were beaten 43-10 by promotion-chasing Sedgley Park.

Two missed conversions left Harrogate defeated, with their tries coming from Connor Ward, Andy Boyde and Aarin Yorke. Luke White kicked a penalty and conversion, but saw a last-minute conversion attempt sail wide.

Sandal were also beaten by a point, hosts Rossendale winning 18-17. But Morley were on the wrong end of a 57-3 drubbing at the hands of champions Preston Grasshoppers.

Winger Danny Booth raced in twice to help West Leeds to a 36-7 win at Bradford and Bingley in North One East. Other tries came from centre Tom Jackson, winger Mark Calderwood and prop Dwayne Smith, while Stefan James kicked four conversions and a penalty.

Leaders York are just one point away from securing the Yorkshire One title after a 38-22 victory over Old Brodleians.

Second-placed Scarborough were 40-31 winners over Moortown, while Heath’s 26-19 win over Wheatley Hills keeps them in the hunt.

Middlesbrough ran in six tries on their way to a 39-14 win over Bradford Salem, and Beverley kept alive their faint promotion hopes with a 38-23 win over North Ribblesdale.