Both defences were on top but Otley had more defending to do than Harrogate so, although the result was in doubt up to the final few minutes, Harrogate were deserving winners.

The glorious conditions produced running rugby and the first scrum of the match didn’t happen till the 14th minute. An early, well controlled Harrogate driving maul took play to the Otley line but they were forced into touch. Power play from the dynamic Willem Enslin continually burst through the visitors’ defence and he was well supported by skipper, Jake Brady and Tim Heaton. Brady and Chris Wilson produced a stream of good line-out ball. However, the next scoring opportunity came from an Otley counter attack. An attacking chip was followed up but they were penalised near the Harrogate goal line and the first half ended scoreless.

The stalemate continued until the 10th minute of the second half but it was a try worth waiting for. Harrogate won ball from a retreating scrum near their goal line and full back, Harry Parrish launched a stunning counter attack. The ball passed through several pairs of hands before Lewis Minikin finished the move by outstripping the defence to score in the corner. Otley responded with a series of driving mauls from penalties and No8, Freddie Watson touched down. Stephen Depledge’s conversion put Otley 5-7 ahead.

More Harrogate attacks followed including a stunning 40 yards break from Barry Frost which took play into the Otley 22. The home pressure continued, Otley went offside and Minikin’s penalty restored Harrogate’s lead. Harrogate were now seriously stretching Otley’s defence and Bottomley was checked just short of the line. The pack was in support and a judicious Andy Boyde pass put Parrish in at the corner. Minikin’s touchline conversion put Harrogate 2 scores ahead with 2 minutes remaining. The last move of the match was an Otley penalty which was duly kicked to earn them a well deserved bonus point.

Harrogate: Parrish, Bottomley, Minikin, Leadley, Edwards, Frost, Matthews, Cutino, Larder, Boothman, Brady, Boyde, Wilson, T Heaton, Enslin. Subs (all used) Nyemba, Ward, Coser, Irvine, Wickham

Otley: Sharples, Roberts, Mackie, , Coady, Newman, Cruise, Depledge, Moss, Chivers, Blades, Cook, Dunn, O’Donnell, M Heaton, F Watson. Subs (all used) Burkinshaw, H Watson, Stannard, Scott-Paul, White

Referee: Will Halford (RFU)

Match Report by Bill Barrack
Photos by Richard Bown and David Aspinall