Harrogate were 10-3 ahead in the 9th minute of injury time but a prolonged series of Leicester driving mauls eventually resulted in a try. The conversion ended the match with honours even.
Leicester kicked off and their 2nd row, Mitchell Todd, was immediately yellow carded for taking a player out in mid air. Both teams looked dangerous in attack but their outstanding defences cancelled each other out. After 20 minutes, Harrogate went offside and full back John Boden's penalty put Leicester ahead.

Harrogate counter attacked and took the lead with a Tim Heaton try following a 20 metre driving maul. Mike Aspinall's conversion made it 7-3. Further Harrogate pressure followed for the rest of the half but Leicester's defence held out.

Harrogate attacked from the start of the second period with Sam Bottomley and Steve Parsons looking exceptionally dangerous. Leicester continued to defend well but had to resort to a desperate high tackle on Kyle Dench to prevent an almost certain try. Aspinall's penalty put Harrogate 10-3 ahead with 20 minutes of normal time left.

Both sides continued to play attacking rugby with Parsons a constant threat for Harrogate. Leicester's Gareth Collins was as dangerous as ever in attack but well organised home defence ensured that he never broke clear. Harrogate's outstanding flanker, Neil Spence sustained a hand injury and had to be substituted but the home pack continued to secure good turnover ball with Heaton at the heart of everything. Hooker Aarin Yorke was also extremely sharp in the loose.

Harrogate had the opportunity to go 2 scores ahead in the last quarter but missed a straightforward penalty kick. Further kickable penalty opportunities were spurned as they continued to press for a second try.

Well into injury time, an excellent Leicester tackle prevented a seemingly certain Parsons try and the ball was cleared into the Harrogate half. Leicester's series of mauls from attacking scrums then resulted in the equalising try for replacement flanker, Jeremy Saxon.

Story courtesy of Harrogate Advertiser
http://www.harrogateadvertiser..