Caldy vs Harrogate

However, Harrogate’s excellent pack delivered a constant stream of good ball resulting in long periods of flowing attacking rugby which, unfortunately, usually ended with a midfield inaccuracy. The other big difference was Caldy’s international winger, ace poacher, Nick Royle. He seized on and attacked from anything loose and scored 2 converted interception tries.

Harrogate opened with some well constructed attacks and won a good turnover to put pressure on Caldy’s line. Then, after 3 minutes, Royle intercepted a loose pass and sprinted clear for a 60 metres try, converted by Jack Lavin. Further even exchanges ended with Caldy coming in from the side at a Harrogate driving maul and David Doherty’s penalty made it 7-3. A crunching Luke Edwards tackle ended a Caldy attack to give Harrogate a line-out which they uncharacteristically lost and home hooker, Oliver Hearn drove over to score and make it 12-3.

History then repeated itself with another Harrogate build up ending with a Caldy interception try, this time from their opposite winger Ben Jones. More Caldy attacks followed, ending in a Lavin converted try and Harrogate counters were well contained by the home defence. A long Charlie Morgan line kick set up a Harrogate attack and an incisive Keane Naylor break. However the move ended with a knock-on and the only other score of the half was a Lavin penalty to make it 29-3 at the break.

Harrogate came out of their blocks after the interval and dominated the third quarter with wave after wave of attacking rugby. Jonny Giles burst through Caldy’s midfield with strength and pace and, when the move broke down, Harrogate’s scrum drove Caldy backwards and quick hands gave Harry Barnard enough space on the right wing for him to outstrip the cover and score a 50 metres converted try. The visitors’ pressure continued, forcing Caldy to concede penalties till they offended within kicking range and Doherty’s kick made it 29-13. Harrogate continued to dominate in all areas till Royle intercepted again, his pace took him clear and it was 36-13.

Harrogate continued to attack making it, from a neutral point of view a thoroughly entertaining game to watch. Sustained pressure on Caldy’s line ended with a relieving penalty and a home line-out from which they counter attacked. Full back, Will Hardy came into the line to make the extra man and score a fine try in the right corner. The game’s final converted try came from broken play and some bizarre bounces from kicks which led to Lavin touching down.

Caldy: Hardy, Jones, F Edwards, Lavin, Royle, Haye, Broxson, Parker, Hearn, Salisbury, Gerrard, Sanders, Crowe, Weir, Collister. Subs:- Stagg, McGowan, Dickinson, Concu, Banks

Harrogate: Doherty, Barnard, Naylor, L Edwards, Giles, Morgan, Matthews, Ward, Maycock, Dennis, J Brady,
S Brady, J Coser, G Coser, Harvey. Subs:- Larder, Wilson, Brougham, Wickham, Reaveley

Referee: Chris Bennett (RFU)

Match report by Bill Barrack