From the kick off, a Harrogate attack was turned over and Westoe set up a series of controlled driving mauls. Mark Bedworth ghosted through a gap and then turned on the power to score under the posts and make his own conversion a formality.

Despite this early setback, Harrogate defended valiantly for the rest of the half. Their efficient line-out play won a succession of good ball and the ever efficient back row of Ryan Peacey, Tim Heaton and Chris Wilson combined well to counter attack.

Midway through the half, Peacey showed great control behind a driving maul to score and we seemed to have a very close game in prospect. The conversion unfortunately missed as did a subsequent penalty which would have given Harrogate a half time lead.

Westoe attacked from the restart but Harrogate won excellent turnover ball near their own goal line. However Toby Quarendon’s clearance kick was charged down and John Younghusband won the race for the ball to score a converted try.

Harrogate counter attacked but knocked on in the tricky conditions and Westoe quickly released centre, James Clark, who sped clear to score with a spectacular “Chris Ashton” dive.

The conversion made it 5-21 and, almost immediately, another Harrogate mistake lost them possession and it was Tom Banks’s turn to take full advantage and score.

Wilson then made a well timed interception for Harrogate and his powerful run opened up the visiting defence. From the subsequent maul, Younghusband was red carded for dangerous use of the head and the Harrogate pressure continued. Quick ball was recycled from a scrum and Sam Bottomley squirmed through Westoe’s defence for a fine try.

This was Harrogate’s last good moment of the match. Further interceptions led to two more Westoe tries from Ryan Beattie and Peter Phelan. Christmas is approaching but Harrogate should not be giving away all these early presents.

Harrogate: Smithies (Minikin 75), Ellison, Gemmell, Bottomley, Heylings, Quarendon, Rowntree, Innes, Maycock (Yorke 61), Fraser (Browne 61), J Brady (Harvey 57), S Brady, Wilson, Heaton, Peacey (Johnson 67),

Westoe: O’Farrel, Phelan, Clark, Banks, Beattie, Bedworth, Judson, Elliott, Thirkwell, Richards, Younghusband, Johnston, Frankland Maw, Stedman

Referee: Guy Steele-Bodger (RFU)

Match report by Bill Barrack

Photos by David Aspinall and Richard Bown