Match Preview

Welcome Preston Grasshoppers RFC

I am delighted to welcome old friends and rivals ‘Hoppers today. Following unlooked for relegation last year Harrogate and PGH have taken different routes to seeking promotion. After a restructure of their coaching staff Hoppers have invested heavily in their team with a reputed £200,000 playing squad assembled making them the glamour club of the league. Harrogate on the other hand have focused on our financial stability and have had, by necessity, had to be much more frugal. However we have recruited a number of players who are adding real strength to the squad who are playing some great rugby.

It is great to see both teams being successful and I am certain we are in for a thrilling encounter between two top of the table teams. Those who follow league results will have noted a close away win for the Hoppers against our neighbours Ilkley last time out. Ilkley led for much of the match, clearly Hoppers have a never give in attitude and did enough to secure the win in the final 8 minutes of the game. Something they have made significant comment of on social media.

A strong performance and a 20 point away win at Pocklington was good preparation for this week and saw first team debuts for props Uran Jerlija and Evan Woodworth. We let our performance drop for the last 15 minutes of the game and will need to put in a full 80 minute performance this week. Recent games against Kirkby Lonsdale and Rossendale have shown that the team definitely have it in them. We welcome back Conor Ward and Harry Butler to the front row this week which will further strengthen our pack.

Harrogate Hospitality

With a large crowd hoped for we have gone the extra mile to make our visitors and home supporters welcome, if you have not enjoyed a sit down lunch please look out for our visiting vendor The Horse Box Pizza Co. and I am sure they will have something appetising for you to enjoy. To keep the bar clear we also have our old friend Bob the Coffee man on site for hot drinks.

Junior Curtain Raiser

The Harrogate Under 11’s are providing a short curtain raiser and honour guards for the players today and we hope that they thoroughly enjoy the exposure to 1XV match day. They will have enjoyed a training session held by our Director of Rugby David Doherty followed by a 20 minute match on the first team pitch. Please encourage them and show them what a big match day is all about.

As an act of remembrance for those who have lost their lives in conflict, we will be observing a one minute silence before today’s kick off. Poppies are available around the clubhouse if you would like to purchase one. The Poppy Appeal will also accept your old pound coins if you have any with you.