A stuttering performance from Harrogate was only just good enough to beat Hull Ionians and record their 8th successive League win. They also had the moral victory of scoring 3 tries against 2. Hull secured a bonus point which could be crucial in their battle against relegation although they rightly say that they would have won if James Ferguson had been in better form with his goal kicking.

Ionians dominated the first half possession and this led to Ferguson’s opening penalty goal after 6 minutes. Harrogate full back, Ed Smithies, then turned defence into attack with a well judged cross kick. Winger, Jamie Broadley gathered at speed to outstrip the defence for a well taken try, converted by Mike Aspinall.

More Hull pressure followed and flanker, Danny Hague created the space to put scrum half, Adam Thomas, over to touch down and restore their lead. Harrogate attempted to counter but a telegraphed attacking pass was intercepted by home flanker, Mark Wigham. Nobody was able to lay a finger on him as he showed exceptional pace to race away and score from inside his own half.

Ferguson’s conversion made it 17-7 and, although this was the half time score, Ryan Peacey had come off the bench to tighten up the Harrogate forward efforts and desperate Hull defence was needed to keep the visitors at bay before the interval.

This pattern continued after the restart and Aspinall seemed certain to score but he dropped the ball in the process of touching down. Harrogate continued to attack and Smithies squeezed over in the corner to make it 17-12. Skilful three-quarter play then created an overlap for Harrogate from which Broadley scored his second try.

Aspinall’s conversion put Harrogate 2 points ahead with 25 minutes remaining and this remained the final score. Harrogate continued to dominate possession but failed to increase their lead because of basic errors. A home win was entirely possible right up to the final whistle but Ferguson missed a final penalty opportunity with the last kick of the match

Hull Ionians
Moorhouse, Slingsby, Greene, Whittam, Thundercliffe, Ferguson, Thomas, Starling, Rice, Lyon, Makin, Rule, Hague, Wigham, Cusack

Harrogate
Smithies, Broadley, Dench, Bottomley, Harris (McGee 60), D Davies, Aspinall, Sowerey (S Davies 65), Yorke (Spackman 65), Browne, Spencer, Brady, Maslaveckas, Harland (Peacey 20), Lewis

Referee
Johann Van Der Merwe (SRFU)