NORTHALLERTON RUFC first team finally got a much-needed win under their belt with 28-19 home win over Baildon.

North dominated most of the first half with their forwards controlling the set pieces with ease. They also used the slight downhill slope and prevailing wind to keep Baildon pinned back in their own 22 for long periods.

North's first score came after more than ten phases of forward possession and recycling, before captain Iain Swall finished off with a try which was converted by Oliver Walters.

The second was an individual masterpiece. Matthew Marsay collected a poor clearance on the half way line before going on a zig zagging run, through three attempted tackles and round two covering defenders before scoring under the posts, making Walters' conversion straight forward.

For the third try, it was North's forwards who again took control. North had a penalty ten yards out but opted for the scrum, which paid dividends with a pushover try, with Swall taking the plaudits and claiming the try. Again Walters added the conversion to give North a healthy 21-point lead.

Just before half time, North switched off at a Baildon line out, allowing their centre to dissect the North defence and go over for an unconverted try. Half time 21-5.

North started the second half in full flow. With their forwards producing another long phase of play, Baildon players were sucked in, allowing Ben Pilling a 40-yard charge on the blind side towards the try line. Pilling fended off the covering full back to score near the posts.

Again Walters maintained his 100 per cent kicking record with the successful conversion.

On the hour mark, as in previous weeks, North began to tire and allow Baildon back into the game.

The visitors scored a controversial try, after a flat pass, that looked forward to some spectators, allowing the visitors to score under the posts around the 65th minute mark.

North had the odd chance to increase their lead, but last gasp mistakes were spotted by the eagle eyed referee each time.

The visitors kept pressing North's line for another try to get a foothold back into the game, especially when North were reduced to 14 men with Swall off the pitch due to a yellow card. However, Lee Peake stepped up to galvanise the North defence and lead the team to a well deserved victory, despite a last-minute converted try for the visitors which ended the game.

North's man of the match was Peake for his leadership and enthusiastic qualities.

On Saturday, North are away to Hullensians, who currently sit third in the league.