Defences were on top for most of the game as both sides made a catalogue of handling errors. To make matters worse Harrogate’s Full Back Savage was carried from the field with a nasty looking ankle injury.

But it was the visitors who just edged the first half encounter and had they not wasted at least two guilt edge opportunities would have been ahead on the scoreboard. Harrogate also created a number of good chances themselves, particularly from Front Rower Kevin Shattock, but each time the final pass went astray.

At the break it was 0-0.

The second half started much better and after some enterprising work from Broadhurst and Cliffe – Kevin Shattock steamed on to a smart inside pass from Fly Half Stirk and despite the posse of defenders - bulldozed his way over. The conversion was added.

For much of the second half Harrogate held good field position, they edged both the Scrum and Lineout exchanges and looked comfortable. When the visitors eventually began to lose a little discipline, a simple three-point penalty was added to the lead.

It remained that way until the last play of the game. Harrogate looked to run the ball from deep inside their half, but a spilled pass in turn led to a gift try for the Castleford Fly Half who ran in unopposed.

Although disappointed with their overall performance, the teams determination and commitment ensured they secured the victory and there were many good individual performances and positives to take from the display.

Match report by Kevin Ellis