Harrogate Ladies II dominate in a convincing 36-12 victory over visitors Winnington Park in the first league game of the New Year.

The hosts kick started the game with some great offload play in the back line through the hands of Izzy Harris, Rachel Demoraes and Caroline Cockshott to put the Winnington defence under its first pressure as they entered their half.

In wet and muddy conditions, the Harrogate attack adjusted well using their forward pack to lead the way for the first try as Katie Cordelia broke away from the break down to secure the first five points.

Harrogate continued to challenge the visitor’s defence playing a wide and expansive attack by setting a strong forward platform stretching the visitors attack, despite missing some close opportunities the hosts entered the break with a 12-0 lead as Kirstie Plummer added a converted try to the board.

Back from the break, the intensity continued as both sides battled it out in numerous scrums, and breakdowns to keep possession and go forward.

Harrogate took the first second half lead with their offloading game paving the way for Apolline Cahierre to cross over for an unconverted try.
Winnington Park grasped their first sight of points as they set up a maul in the hosts 22 and peeled off the back to trail 19-7.

An impressive hatrick of points from Cahierre set the distance between the hosts and Winnington Park with four points from the boot of Plummer extending their lead to 31-7.

Before the final whistle on a physical and demanding eighty minutes was called, Plummer secured her second try on the board through great pod work, while Winnington had the final play out wide as they set up a crash ball just short of the try line to finish the game 36-12.

The players of the match were forward Kirstie Plummer for a dominating appearance and keeping order in the pack, while Apolline Cahierre picked up back of the match for phenomenal runs and a hatrick performance, and Caroline Cockshott selected by the opposition as player of the match for causing them problems everywhere in the field.

This weekend sees the Harrogate first team back in action as they play hosts to Novocastrians, while the Hens travel to Sandal Rugby Club.

By Clarissa Murphy