Luctonians vs Harrogate

As half-time approached, Luctonians had a narrow 8-5 lead but a midfield interception gifted them a converted try and the 15-5 interval score didn’t accurately reflect the play. Harrogate’s scrum dominated throughout but basic mistakes cost the side possession at crucial times. Despite tenacious defence, these errors led to the talented home backs scoring a further unanswered 20 second half points.

With a strong wind behind them, Harrogate mounted early pressure and a Doc Doherty pass to debutant winger, Olly Rosillo, almost led to a try. The Harrogate pressure continued till Steve Maycock crashed over in the corner for the opening try. Dominant Harrogate scrummaging was driving Luctonians backwards though it often failed to satisfy Mr Brown’s interpretation of the laws which gave Luctonians some relieving penalties. From one of those penalties, Luctonians set up a driving maul and quick ball was spread to winger John Norris who sped over for the equalising try.

Scrum half, Louis Silver orchestrated Luctonians’ attacks and also kicked the penalty which put them 8-5 ahead after a Harrogate offside offence. Then, on the stroke of half time, stand-off, Tom Jones gratefully accepted the midfield interception opportunity and ran in an unopposed 50 metres converted try.

Harrogate now had to face the strong wind but attacked from the restart and there was a very even opening 20 minutes of the half. Harrogate’s scrum continued to dominate, both Brady brothers drove strongly in the loose and tenacious Danny Matthews tackling thwarted Luctonians attacks. Charlie Morgan had an excellent game at full back, skilfully setting up counter attacks from defence. A Luctonians try seemed certain from an attacking chip over the goal line but Harry Barnard outsped the attack for a relieving touchdown.

Midway through the half, Harrogate’s defence went offside and Silver’s penalty extended the home lead. Players from both sides had been warned for infringements round the breakdown but, unfortunately, it was Harrogate’s Willem Enslin who was eventually dispatched to the sin bin and this proved to be the turning point of the match. Silver kicked the penalty from this offence and, shortly afterwards, Harrogate’s 7 man scrum was penalised. This led to an attacking Luctonians line-out from which they chipped through and winger, Will Hodnett won the chase for a converted try. Further pressure on Harrogate’s line followed and a quickly taken penalty led to centre, Alex Smith scoring another converted try.

Restored to 15 players, Harrogate continued to try to salvage something from the game. Morgan set up counter attacks from deep and replacement scrum half, Paddy Hebblethwaite linked well with Enslin and Jake Brady but the home defence held out.

Luctonians: Doyle, Morris, Kelly, A Smith, Hodnett, Jones, Silver, Schroder, Street, Watkins, D Smith, Psota, Dodd, Hackley. Subs:- White, Kirkby, Knott, Cheshire, Grimes

Harrogate: Morgan, Barnard, Edwards, Minikin, Rosillo, Doherty, Matthews, Ward, Maycock, Dennis, J Brady,
S Brady, J Coser, Yorke, Enslin. Subs:- Nesbitt, Peace, N Smith, Davies, Hebblethwaite

Referee: Sam Brown (RFU)

Match report by Bill Barrack