However, Preston raised their game and capitalised on a stream of Harrogate mistakes in the third quarter. With 10 minutes remaining, Preston were 18-26 ahead but a Harrogate rearguard recover y saw them draw level at full time and the conversion gave them a win by the narrowest of margins.

From the start, Harrogate backs went into overdrive and Olli Rosillo came into the line from full back for a spectacular opening score. It was captain, Jake Brady’s 200th first team game and he led by example to inspire his team mates to a dominant opening period. Continued Harrogate pressure forced Hoppers to conceded penalties and David Doherty’s successful kick made it 8-0 after 18 minutes. Harrogate’s pack was driving Preston backwards at this stage and skipper Brady powered to score over from a driving maul with the conversion making it 15-0. Further Harrogate pressure won them another successful Doherty penalty to make it 18-0.

The Preston pack then mounted a mini recovery and set up a driving maul from good line-out ball. Flanker Will Lees tucked in behind to score and make it 18-5. A Harrogate attack was then ended with a tip tackle on Doherty but Preston’s Pete Altham escaped with just a yellow card.

A revitalised Hoppers side went straight into the offensive from the start of the 2nd half. Harrogate were penalised for holding and Lewis Allen’s penalty made it 18-8. A Harrogate defensive clearance was charged down and Preston’s pressure continued. Harrogate’s Guy Coser was then sin binned for transgression to make it 18-11 and Preston were very much on the ascendancy. Harrogate’s defence seemed to be holding firm till Preston scrum-half, Jack Harrison dummied and broke strongly to score a converted try which evened the sores. Harrogate’s restart kick went straight into touch and the visiting pressure continued. Another Allen penalty put Preston 18-21 ahead and two astute cross kicks created space for Jacob Browne to score on the right and make it 18-26 with 10 minutes remaining.

Jonny Giles won a great turnover on the left wing and a stream of Harrogate attacks followed with centres, Luke Edwards and Keane Naylor a constant threat. Harrogate’s dominant scrum won another close in penalty and the kick made it 18-26. Waves of Harrogate attacks followed and, in the last move of the match, Doherty drove over to score and Kick the winning conversion.

Harrogate: Rosillo, Barnard, Naylor, Edwards, Giles, Doherty, Matthews, Ward, Larder, Dennis, J Brady,
S Brady, J Coser, G Coser, Harvey. Subs:- Yorke, Wilson, Parrish, Wickham, Reavekey

Preston Grasshoppers: Viney, Browne, Woof, Forster, Allen, Harrison, Mabaya, Taylor, Altham, Garrod, Murray, Bramhall, Lees, Procter. Subs:- Beatty, Peterson, Roddy, Moulding, Hunt.

Referee: James O’Brien (North)

Match report by Bill Barrack