Harrogate attacked from the start with man of the match with Ben Sowerey prominent in ball winning and skilful off-loading. The Lions went offside and a Mike Aspinall penalty gave Harrogate an early lead. Jon Boden equalised for Leicester when Harrogate offended at the other end of the field.

Almost from the restart, Leicester took a quick penalty after a Harrogate scrummage offence. A slick three-quarter move ended with a Lee Dyment try, converted from the touchline by Boden.

An even period of play followed when both sides had their moments. Steve Parsons almost scored for Harrogate and the “all action” Gareth Collins was a constant threat for the Lions.

The next score came from another Boden penalty after a Harrogate high tackle but the visitors continued to threaten and Collins was yellow carded for illegally preventing a score. Aspinall’s penalty narrowed the gap and Harrogate then took advantage of the extra man with a sweeping back move which resulted in a converted Parsons try. Leicester continued to press with the wind behind them but Harrogate’s defence held firm and the half ended with a narrow 16-13 home lead.

The second half started evenly but a Boden penalty put the Lions further ahead after Harrogate again strayed offside. The visitors went straight back on to the offensive and a seemingly certain try was stopped by a high tackle. From the penalty, Harrogate set up a series of driving mauls and replacement lock, Jake Brady powered over from close range.
The conversion put Harrogate into the lead but the Lions immediately counter attacked only to have possession turned over near the halfway line. Parsons snapped up the loose ball and sprinted 45 metres to score under the posts.

Harrogate still pressed to extend their lead but a period of Leicester pressure followed and winger, Scott Alfeld tucked in behind a forward drive to score. Parsons’ hat trick and Harrogate’s bonus point came with the next try. His centre partner, Kyle Dench split the home defence with a powerful midfield run and Parsons was at his elbow to score.

Leicester were awarded a penalty in injury time and opted for a “safety first” 3 points to gain a losing bonus point.

Leicester Lions: Collins, Dyment, Morris, Cross, Alfeld, Boden, Stevens, Moore, Williamson, Murray, Kyte, Soloman, Dockray, Rudkin, Sulga-Fagalilo

Harrogate: Smithies, Bottomley (Hart 40), Parsons, Dench, Harris, Aspinall, Wickham, Sowerey, Yorke (Spackman 65), Browne, Spencer (Brady 30), Lewis, Harland, Maslaveckas, Peacey

Referee: Wayne Falla (RFU)