Sedgley Park vs Harrogate

That turned out to be their final score. Harrogate was the better side for the rest of the match but only managed to score 7 points. Though this gave them a valuable losing bonus point, results elsewhere keep them at the bottom of the League Table behind Wharfedale on score difference.

From the start, Park flanker, Max Skofic, broke from an attacking line-out and gave a scoring pass to the supporting Matt Riley. Steve Collins’ conversion made it 7-0. The home pressure continued but Harrogate’s defence started to get their act together with strong tackling from Harry Barnard, Danny Matthews and Luke Edwards. However, a penalty offence led to an attacking Sedgley line-out and a driving maul which resulted in another converted try. Shortly afterwards, Lock Sam Brady was yellow carded for a defensive illegality and Harrogate were under serious pressure.

Harrogate had outscrummaged Park up till then but, understandably, Sedgley opted for a scrum from this penalty. However, Harrogate’s remaining 7 man pack continued to dominate and withstood this attack. The front row of Connor Ward, Tom Larder and Will Dennis was in complete control throughout and this superiority continued when later substitutions replaced Larder and Dennis with Ben Reaveley and Aarin Yorke.

Harrogate’s pack was now in complete control of all the exchanges and dominated possession. An attacking Park cross kick was brilliantly taken by Barnard on his own goal line but he was tackled in mid air and Harrogate cleared their line from the ensuing penalty. A 40 metres midfield break from Edwards was well supported and a try seemed certain. Although a knock-on ended that move, the Harrogate pressure continued. A 30 metres driving maul took play to the home goal line and, in the last move of the half, Larder powered over for a try converted by David Doherty.

Though scoreless, the second half was far from boring. Inspirational Jake Brady captaincy kept Harrogate’s forwards in control with the Coser brothers and Tom Harvey winning repeated turnovers. Robust Sedgley defence led to some heated exchanges but referee, Mick Harris managed to keep things under control. A losing bonus point seemed to be scant reward for such effort but even that was threatened in the final moments of the match. A dazzling run from substitute home back, Rob Holloway took him past several defenders till he was eventually tackled and the match was over.

Sedgley Park: Wainwright, A Riley, Bedlow, M Riley, Lowthion, Collins, McShane, Ashcroft, J Matthews, Greville, Powell, Grigaitis, Goodman, Skofic, Lloyd. Subs:- Warrington, Coe, Black, Holloway, Peet

Harrogate: Doherty, Barnard, Edwards, Keane, Giles, Morgan, D Matthews, Ward, Larder, Dennis, J Brady,
S Brady, J Coser, G Coser, Harvey. Subs:- Yorke, Reaveley, Heaton, Davies, Wickham

Referee: Mick Harris (RFU)

Match Report by Bill Barrack