Harrogate Hens secure a draw in a physically dominant game against top of the table, Sandal Warriors.

Quick to identify the Sandal weaknesses, Harrogate set the platform with their forwards drawing the defence short and creating space for the speed in the back line to attack through Apolline Cahierre, Caroline Cockshott and Sarah Pritchard, entering dangerous territory.

Play stumped at the half way line with dominating tackles from the hosts stopping go forward for the visitors. But a spot for space by Clarissa Murphy out-wide saw a cross-field kick in behind the defence with Cahierre finishing in the corner for the first five points.

After an intense and muddy forty minutes, the whistle went on a 5-0 lead for the visitors for a short break.

Back with intensity, both sides continued to play to their strengths forcing errors and hard work. Playing straight on the defence, Harrogate displayed a stern front with great tackles from Ruth Fewster- Neale, Achele Agada and Pritchard.

Sandal’s determination soon paid off as a quick ball out-wide saw their winger cross the line for a converted try to take a narrow 7-5 lead.

After a couple of missed opportunities on the wing, Harrogate executed a fine display through the hands of Murphy, Agada and Evie Hancox before Cockshott ran on the inside to finish under the posts, converted by Kirstie Plummer to lead 12-7.

Harrogate held the lead with just a few moments to play, when Sandal put their number 12 through marginal space to score an equalising unconverted try to hear the whistle on a 12-12 draw.

Players of the match were back, Emma Winstanley for great decision making and execution throughout the game, while Sophie McPherson was awarded forward of the match for a dominating appearance and Caroline Cockshott picked up oppositions player of the match for the second week running.

Next up in league action sees a busy weekend at Rudding Lane as Harrogate Firsts host Novocastrians on Saturday, and the Hens welcome Stockport Ladies on Sunday.

By Clarissa Murphy