The match was scheduled to be played at Granby however when the teams arrived they found the gates to the pitches locked, worse still some of the posts were missing!!
This necessitated a trudge back to Claro Rd and a very hasty marking out of pitch 3 (very heavy due to training). Nothing else could possibly go wrong ……….. except for a no show from the referee, and yep, you guessed it – a no show from the referee !
Thanks to Bryn Kitchen who stepped in at the last minute enabling what was a very entertaining and competitive game to take place.
The first half was a cagey affair, in truth Harrogate ran more possession but struggled to break down an obdurate Nestle defense who managed a number of crucial turnovers and several huge clearing kicks.
Gate took the lead with a well worked move allowing Hugh Tatlow to crash over with Sam Beagrie adding the extras.
“Trees” hit back with a good try during a sustained period within the gate 22 to get within 2 points however a flash of inspiration from Harry Fewkes and some good linking play saw Harry finish off a move he started again with Beagrie knocking over the conversion (with the aid of the upright).
During an equally competitive second half the only try went again to gate with the forwards driving Pete Corner over and in the dying minutes a penalty saw Gate move further ahead for what was a well deserved victory against a good team.
Thanks to Nestle for providing a really competitive game – one that was played in a great spirit and for also for putting up with the messing around before the game and resultant late kick off.
Well done to Bryn Kitchen for refereeing so well, both sides remarked how even handed he was and consistent in decision making.
This Harrogate side boasted 11 players 19 years of age and under which speaks volumes for the development of young players at the club, everyone on the pitch played their part magnificently – in the forwards Hugh Tatlow and Scott Irvine pushed Damian Broadhurst very close for man of the match award. In the back line George Ellis, Harry Fewkes and Harry Barnard at 9,10 & 12 had a combined age which is depressingly lower than the age of the team manager !!
Seriously these young players are getting structured coaching, a good introduction into adult rugby a number have also played for the Georgians (the clubs second team) so the future looks very bright.