To compound this, a controversial second yellow card to hooker, Tom Larder was transformed to a red and Harrogate played most of the match with 14 men. Though 3-33 down at half time, the under strength Harrogate side showed tremendous character to actually draw the second half.

The game opened with waves of Sedgley attacks but Harrogate’s defence held out and countered until a knock-on lost them possession and Larder was yellow carded for a technical offence. From the penalty, winger, Andy Riley outpaced the home defence for a try converted by Steve Collins. Minutes later, a quickly taken Park penalty led to a well taken try for opposite winger, Sam Lowthian. Harrogate countered, Sedgley prop, Ben Black went offside and David Doherty’s penalty opened Harrogate’s account. Park’s next converted try came from a driving maul with hooker Jonny Matthews touching down. Almost immediately a Sedgley backs attack was well supported by the forwards and Matthews was on hand for his second try.

Harrogate then won good turnover ball and Sedgley were penalised for going offside. However, after Assistant Referee intervention, the penalty was reversed for alleged stamping leading to Larder’s permanent departure. Harrogate’s defence then held out from Park pressure and stole one of their attacking lines-out. However, in the last move of the half, an astute Park chip was taken at pace by Riley for his second converted try.

Harrogate opened the second half with determined attacks with their 7 man scrum making light of Sedgley’s numerical advantage. However a serious leg injury to home centre, Alex Nesbitt led to a long delay till he was stretchered from the field. This resulted in replacement Ben Dixon playing impressively as did debutant Jack Starkey who alternated between flanker and hooker throughout the match.

For the rest of the match, Harrogate’s reduced team matched Sedgley in defence and attack until Sedgley flanker, Sam Peet scored a converted try from a driving maul. Shortly afterwards, Harrogate were reduced to 13 men when replacement forward Liam Hucknall was yellow carded for a high tackle. However, showing great spirit, Harrogate continued to attack and Doherty made a midfield break and gave a scoring pass to Guy Coser for a converted try.

Harrogate: Rosillo, Barnard, Naylor, Nesbitt, Edwards, Doherty, Wickham, Ward, Larder, Dennis, Harvey, S Brady, G Coser, Starkey, Heaton. Subs:- Yorke, Purkiss-McEndoo, Hucknall, Dixon, Hebblethwaite.

Sedgley Park: Holloway, A Riley, Wainwright, M Riley, Lowthian, Collins, McShane, Ashcroft, Matthews, Black, Lloyd, Powell, Peet, Skofic, Crous. Subs:- Hymes, Coe, Goodman, Urmston, Bedlow.

Referee: Ben Rayner (RFU)

Match report by Bill Barrack