A beautiful day for running rugby

In a beautiful spot just outside Leyburn, Wensleydale's ground was bathed in sunshine with no clouds in sight as the fifteen from Aireborough arrived on Saturday, and it stayed that way throughout, making for some cracking tans and bursting lungs amongst the travelling contingent.

Skipper Martyn Booth rallied his troops before the kick off and the warm up was crisp but brief following the trip up.

Aireborough were behind at half time after some neat work from Wensleydale's back line found tired legs and mismatches in Aire's defence, and the 'Dale forwards heaved the Aire pack around in a good collective showing, which included a deep bench that was well used in the hot conditions.

The resolute Aire fifteen continued to battle on in the second half, with two well taken tries.

Tim Baxter crashed over to give him the best strike rate for Aire this season. Timmy is a welcome-return to the Aire side for the run-in, and on Saturday he shored up the scrum, carried strongly and blasted rucks all afternoon.

Aire's second try came from player-coach Simon Davies, crashing over in the three-quarters as the Aire half-backs Tom Holdsworth and Lewis Barrett ran the 'Dale defence ragged, creating a five man overlap that Davies took full advantage of by running through the last defender.

With two interceptions on the 'Dale 5m line (that were converted by the 'Dale gas men, leaving Aire's fifteen to trot 80m back under their posts and signal the oxygen tent from the sidelines) Aire were disappointed not to come away with a losing bonus point for their afternoons toil.

To Aire's credit their best period came in the last 15 minutes as the fifteen worked for field position, winning a series of penalties as they caused inaccuracy from 'Dale, and Boothy's darts finding a well drilled line of Jonny Hiles and Phil Shopland-Reed being lifted supremely by Simon Davies, Adam Jackson and Tim Baxter.

As Aire worked themselves down field in a spell of well-used possession, Aire's maul was brought down after the 'Dale jumper had also played Hiles on the air. As a he 'Dale lock saw yellow, Aire went for the corner, only for the maul to be brought down again, but this time no infringement was adjudged. As the ball was moved from right to left, in keeping with the 78 minutes before it, the game ended with a third interception this time on the 'Dale 22m, the 'Dale backs racing away to score.

'Dale were good value for their win, and mercilessly took their chances all afternoon to keep the momentum and the scoreboard ticking throughout the game, the ‘Dale scrum half putting in a notable performance.

The Aire fifteen deserve much credit; an afternoon of hard graft in the sun during which Jacko carried strongly all day, as did Si stepping up from the Crusaders. The Aire eight never stopped fighting for the yard in front of them despite the score line. The back line was well marshalled by Tom and Lewis who didn't quite have the bounce of the ball. The three quarters combined well when on the front foot with the little ball they received, and the back three acquitted themselves well shutting down 'Dale on the outside a number of times.

MoM: Saturday was herculean effort all round. Tom Holdsworth was outstanding on his return, as was Tim Baxter, but the plaudits this week must go to the lads stepping up from the Crusaders. Well done lads.

Are will be looking to bounce back in two big games this week: Wednesday’s Aire-Wharfe Cup first round match at Roundhegians (6.15pm kick off), and Baildon away on Saturday.