Director of rugby Lynn Howells, praised his pack and singled out props Jon Rawson and Toma Toke, who destroyed their opposite numbers. But he was critical of the holders' first half display.

"In a cup final you had to give respect to your opponents, irrespective of which league they play in, and we didn't do that in the first half and we conceded three tries and came in behind.

"It was a different story in the second half. We played to our strengths and dominated a very brave Wharfedale side who, in spite of being pinned into their 22 for long periods, never gave up."

The game brought down the curtain on the Welshman's first season in charge of the National League One club.

"Considering that I didn't take over until the eve of the season, I've got to be pleased with fourth place - especially when you consider that we lost our full back-row for most of the second half of the season.

"The target will be a top three place next season and I am looking forward to the challenge."

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