However, they then allowed Stourbridge to run in 4 tries in 14 minutes to put the match out of reach. They tightened up after the interval and actually won the second half but it was too little too late.

Harrogate’s opening try came from well won secondary possession and Yorke supported skilfull back play to score in the corner. That was as good as it got for the rest of the half. Joe Bridger supported a Stourbridge driving maul to score and the visitors counter attacked after an excellent Andy Boyde take from the restart kick. However a Josh Trinham interception left the home defence for dead and his try put the visitors 7-10 ahead. The Stourbridge pressure continued and a driving maul opened a gap for scrum half, Toby Handley who darted over to score a try converted by Chris Scott. Full back, Olly Rosillo then set up a Harrogate counter attack but possession was turned over and Stourbridge centre, Joe Heatley scored their next converted try.

A much improved Harrogate made a game of it after the interval to make it a really competitive second half. Stronger scrummaging won consistent ascendency to produce good attacking ball. From an attacking line-out, replacement scrum half, Danny Matthews created a gap from which replacement hooker, Tom Larder crashed over. Sound defence prevented any second half Stourbridge scores and Minikin came close to scoring a second Harrogate try but his foot brushed the touchline when apparently clear.

Harrogate: Rosillo, Parrish, Minikin, Frost, Edwards, Irvine, Wickham, Ward, Yorke, Boothman, Brady, Boyde, Coser, Cherrington, Heaton. Subs (all used):- Larder, Purkiss-McEndoo, Harvey, Leadley, Matthews

Stourbridge: Bridger, Sinkunas, Heatley, Otutaha, Trinham, Scott, Handley, Thorp, Harding, George, Murphy, Depper, Mukarati, Pennock, Nicholls. Subs (all used):- Wilkes, Carpenter, Rodley, Sturdy, Hurrell

Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe (Kent)

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