Hull vs Harrogate

Down seventeen points to nil at half time, Harrogate’s hopes of a promotion play-off spot seemed to have disappeared.

However, their forwards took charge in the second half to enable them to come back from the dead and draw. Oli Rosillo’s last minute try in the corner leveled the scores and a conversion would have won the match but Luke White’s touchline conversion attempt narrowly missed.

Early Harrogate forward pressure disrupted the Hull set pieces forcing them to goo offside at a breakdown. Harrogate gained an attacking line-out from the penalty but threw too long and lost possession. A Hull driving maul followed and prop, Mike Dias burrowed over to open the score.

More Harrogate attacks followed with centres Andrew Lawson and Luke Edwards making telling breaks but a well organized Hull defence combined with crucial Harrogate mistakes to prevent any scores. Harrogate were penalised at a maul and the Hull kick took play into Harrogate’s half.

Dominant Harrogate scrummaging forced Hull to concede a succession of penalties near their own line and Harrogate opted for another scrum each time. Inexplicably, they eventually kicked for an attacking line-out, lost possession and Hull cleared to set up another attack. As always, skipper, Danny Matthew’s tackling led by example but Edwards was yellow carded. A driving maul followed the penalty and centre, Alex Heard joined the fray to score a try converted by Steve Johnson and it was 17-0 at half time. Hull had made three meaningful visits to Harrogate’s half and scored each time

A transformed Harrogate took the field after the interval with Lawson and winger, Keane Naylor combining well in attack. Hull’s defence was penalised, Harrogate’s penalty led to a driving maul and, this time, Guy Coser scored a try converted by White. Hopes of a recovery were seemingly immediately dashed when Hull scored another converted try. A well worked move followed quick scrum ball and 2nd row, Liam Regardsoe joined the line to power through and score.

More Harrogate pressure followed with their defence containing the occasional Hull attempts to counter. A 25 metres driving maul took play to the Hull line and birthday boy, Andy Boyde crashed over for a converted try. Harrogate’s pack was now in complete control with Sam Brady’s powerful runs scattering defenders like ninepins. Something had to give from all this pressure and it was Boyde’s housemate, Tom Harvey who scored from another driving maul.

This took Harrogate into bonus point territory and the forward dominance continued. Desperate Hull defence kept out an avalanche of driving mauls and Harrogate quickly spun the ball left for Rosillo to outpace the cover and score in the corner. This fourth try and the draw won Harrogate 3 points to keep their hopes of a play-off promotion spot faintly alive.

Hull: Birch, Adlard, Heard, Martin, Tanumi, Johnson, Harding, Dias, Rice, Hardman, Hamber, Regardsoe, Kay, Poole, Stafford. Subs:- Jobling, Fitts, Dynam

Harrogate: Rosillo, Barnard, Lawson, Edwards, Naylor, White, Matthews, Purkiss-McEndoo, Yorke, Butler, Harvey, Brady, J Coser, G Coser,Heaton. Subs:- Boyde, Doherty, Maycock

Referee: Daniel Woods (Northern)

Match report by Bill Barrack

Message of thanks from Hull RUFC

The members of Hull RUFC would like to thank the members of Harrogate RUFC for their very kind message of condolence sent via your club Twitter account regarding the passing of Mrs. Mary Beal. Also to Mr Bill Barrack for his kind words during the pre-match lunch which was greatly appreciated by all our members who were present. The minutes silence was indeed impeccable and was a fitting tribute to one of our most treasured ladies.
Many thanks to you all.

Norman Angell
Vice President
Hull RUFC