Harrogate vs Preston Grasshoppers

Harrogate’s forwards exerted increasing control throughout the game and their superior discipline also proved to be crucial.

After an even start, Preston stole a Harrogate defensive line-out, flanker Garth Drew drove strongly and lock, Ally Murray was in support to score and put Preston ahead. At this early stage, constructive back play was possible and Harrogate’s three-quarters looked collectively dangerous. Sean Taylor, Preston’s full back ran incisively to create several gaps but, as conditions worsened, both side’s defences were able to hold firm.

Fifteen minutes into the game, a long Callum Irvine clearance was touched in flight by a Preston player to give the home side an attacking line out. A driving maul ensued and Tim Heaton controlled well to crash over and level the scores. The Harrogate pressure continued but they spurned a kickable penalty opportunity to go for another attacking line-out. This time, Preston stole the possession and cleared the line to make it 5-5 at the interval.

Increasing Harrogate forward control kept them in Preston territory for most of the second half and an offside offence led to a Lewis Minikin penalty kicking them into the lead for the first time. Harrogate rang the changes from the bench and each of the substitutes made significant contributions to their increasing control. Heaton, the Brady brothers and all the front row forwards played impressively well and, when Preston’s John Mackenzie was sin-binned, the home forward domination was almost complete. However, it was after Mackenzie’s return that replacement flanker, Chris Wilson made an interception from a Hoppers counter attack. He gathered the ball cleanly and sprinted clear of despairing defenders for the game’s final converted try.

Harrogate: Morgan, Bottomley, Minikin, Edwards, Parsons, Irvine, Wickham, Purkiss-McEndoo, Maycock, Reaveley, J Brady, S Brady, J Coser, G Coser, Heaton. Subs:- Larder,C Ward, Harvey, London, Wilson

Preston Grasshoppers: S Taylor, Jordan, Viney, J Ward, Milliken, Hurst, Moulding, Madden, C Taylor, Altham, Mackenzie,
A Murray, Dew, Lees, Proctor. Subs:- Holmes, Mabaya, Walker, M Murray, Woof.

Referee: Alex Thomas (Midlands)

Match report by Bill Barrack
Photos by David Aspinall, Richard Bown and Keith Hunt.