However, a much weakened Harrogate team gave a good account of themselves and were very much in contention till 2 late converted tries put the game out of reach.

From the kick-off, prop, Fraser Kirkley drove strongly and was well supported to release good attacking ball to the backs. Cam Leadley took a low pass at speed, broke a tackle and passed to Lewis Minikin who outpaced the remaining defenders to score a fine try, converted by Joe Rowntree.

Park soon responded and strong running from lock, Juan Crous took play into Harrogate’s 22. Hooker, Dave Blackwell carried the move on and scored in the corner. The conversion missed but the Park attacks continued with the speedy Jamie Harrison a constant threat. No8, Matt Lamprey then burst through the visiting defence to create space for Matt Riley to score a try which he converted himself.

Powerful midfield running from Kyle Dench sparked off more Harrogate attacks and, when Park were penalised for holding, Rowntree’s penalty made the score 12-10. Another Dench break was then carried on by Minikin who put Leadley into space for an excellent try which gave Harrogate a 12-15 lead as the interval approached. However, just before the break, Lamprey again drove strongly and Andy Riley took the scoring pass to make it 17-15 at half time.

After an even start to the second half, Park forward drives put pressure on the Harrogate line and flanker Rhys Davies drove over for a converted try. The Harrogate pack then put pressure on a home scrum to create an attacking ruck. Park came in from the side and Rowntree’s penalty narrowed the gap. Another strong Harrogate scrummaging drive was then inexplicably penalised. This led to an attacking line-out from which prop, Max Ashcroft scored.

Undaunted, the Harrogate youngsters (including Dave Hamblin) continued to take the game to the opposition. The pressure led to a driving maul from which Willem Enslin scored and Rowntree’s conversion made it 29-25 with 10 minutes remaining. However, late home pressure resulted in 2 converted tries from Liam West and Chris Parrott to make it 43-25 at the end.

Sedgley Park: Holloway, A Riley, M Riley,Parrott, Harrison, Wilkinson, McShane, Ashcroft, Blackwell, Warrington, Crous, Parkinson, Davies, Emerson, Lamprey. Subs (all used) Dewland, West, Quickenden, Urmston, Strong

Harrogate: Frost, Leadley, L Minikin, Dench, Morland, Rowntree, Matthews, Kirkley, Yorke, Reaveley, Brady, Brougham, Coser, Wood, Enslin. Subs (all used) N Minikin, Hamblin, Watson, Audsley-Beck, Wickham.

Referee: Mick Harris (RFU)

Match report by Bill Barrack