Harrogate Ladies II battle on through injuries to fight back at a well drilled Winnington Park

It was clear from Winnington Park kick off that the home side were ready and raring to go. After Harrogate received the kick well, the home side managed to turn the ball over. Visiting Harrogate however, quickly won a scrum after applying some excellent and early pressure, forcing Winnington Park to knock on.

Winnington Park prove to be strong in the scrum and managed to turn the ball over. As their scrum half picked up however, she fumbled. This led to a second scrum which proved to be more successful for Harrogate.

The home team then took their turn to lay the pressure on Harrogate in defence. Captain Sarah Jayne Pritchard exited the pitch to get patched up after a collision caused a facial injury.

Ellen Armstrong reacted by pelting down the pitch to get underneath a deep kick. The legs were there but Armstrong was caught just short. Winnington Park managed to make something out of it and score between the sticks. A conversion followed and the home team were up, 7 points to nil.

Upon the restart Harrogate cause Winnington problems in their attack initially. However, Winnington Park countered this with success and touched down after a drive over the line.

A turnover followed the restart but luckily Celine Almond was there to pounce on her opposing player, launching her into touch.

Second row Jade Crawley supported Harrogate’s defensive pressure well, making tackles all over the pitch whilst the well drilled Winnington Park continued to push Harrogate to their limits in defence. Flanker Sheree Evans handed off an attacking player, stopping her in her tracks and allowing Harrogate to get back on the attack.

The visiting outfit got closer to the try line than they had all game just before half time. Looking threatening they unfortunately lost the ball within a metre of touching down. In a desperate effort to win he ball back scrum half, Emma Winstanley also suffered a facial injury, resulting in Harrogate going into the second half two players down.

After play resumed, Almond threw another Winnington Park player into touch resulting in a successful Harrogate line out. Again though, the home side caught Harrogate off guard, turned over and touched down. The home side showed off a 31-point lead.

The visitors don’t give up, applying pressure in defence and managing to turn over the ball. It was when Winnington Park had the ball back that Harrogate were able to score however, with an impressive interception and run from Almond. She managed to kick over the extras too, putting 7 points on the scoreboard.

A couple of high tackles fly in from Winnington Park causing difficulties for Harrogate in their attack. When the ball was lost it was Crawley who won the ball back in the breakdown, allowing Harrogate to move forward. Hooker, Sammie Wilcox protects the ball for all its worth in the ruck and again Harrogate are within metres of the line.

Stopped short by Winnington within range once again, Harrogate lose the ball, unable to react and the home runners beat them back to their own try line.

With only minutes left Harrogate have one attacking play in them. Apolline Cahierre carried the ball well towards the try line. She powered through with pace before passing out to Armstrong who touched down just before the final whistle was blown.

The final score was 38-12, a really impressive show from Harrogate after losing a number of players to injury throughout the match and against a very well drilled team.

Player of the match performances were awarded to: Jade Crawley, Ellen Armstrong and Samantha Griffiths.

Harrogate 2nd XV have a week’s rest now before taking on Sandal (home) on Sunday 6th October. However, Harrogate 1st XV will take on Sheffield (away) on Sunday – all support welcome as always for a 14:30pm kick off @ Abbeydale Park, Sheffield, S17 3LJ.