Harrogate Ladies rugby storm through to the semi-final of the Junior Plate competition

After a successful chase following the home side’s kick off the opening try was swiftly made by Fly Half, Evie Tonkin. Within the opening 5 minutes, Harrogate were 5-0 up.

A second score came shortly after; a strong Harrogate scrum ensured Scrum Half, Rose Jay could quickly move the ball to a dangerous position within the back line. Full Back, Ailish Clear received the ball and defied the defence before making a clean break up the right hand side of the pitch. Clear scored right of the sticks increasing the lead to 10-0.

With a clean catch upon the re start the ball made its way out wide to the backs enabling Centre, Caroline Cockshott to make a break and touch down between the posts. Second Row, Helena Landau made the conversion to bring the score to 17-0.

The next play saw the Harrogate forwards making some big impact tackles and gaining ground. The pack played the phases when they were faced with some tough defence from the visitors but No. 8, Ellie Ward saw some space and steamed through towards the try line. When Ward was finally taken down the ball was shipped out to the backs and the run was polished off by Tonkin scoring her second of the day. Landau added the conversion and the score was 24-0 nil 25 minutes in.

Amber Valley fought back upon the re start and managed to force a knock on from the home side, they showed power in the scrum and as a result made a break. However, the Harrogate defence was strong and Jay made a turnover before heading back up the pitch at pace, with Tonkin in support the offload was made and Centre, Jess Wild was the one to touch down. With the conversion added the score was 31-0.

With the interval in sight there was not only time for Cockshott to make a second break away to score but also for Tonkin to make it a hat-trick. Both tries were converted by Landau to make the score 45-0 at half time.

Amber Valley seemed refreshed after the interval but it was obvious Harrogate had more to give and it wasn’t long before Centre, Sophie Harker showed her presence on the pitch by handing off two players before scoring to the left of the sticks.
Harrogate kept the tries coming and after the forwards had made the ground and drawn in the defence, Tonkin weighed up her options before making a quick pass out to the right where Cockshott was waiting. The Centre stepped her way through the last line of defence before putting the ball down over the line making her hat-trick.

Amber Valley caused the home outfit some problems as their backs took advantage of any gaps in the Harrogate defence. Nevertheless, Harrogate made the turnover and a forward break from Meg Kerry followed by a drive through the defence by Maisie Barnett took Harrogate back towards their opposition’s try line. After conceding a series of penalties the visitors were defending on their try line. Tonkin moved the ball into the middle and Gemma Stanish touched down after taking advantage of a gap between the posts, Landau converted to make it 62-0.

As full time approached both teams stayed strong and even though Amber Valley’s defence was a challenge for Harrogate there was still time for more. Barnett finished off a phased play by driving over the line and Sarah Jayne Pritchard skilfully stepped many members of the defence to cross the line and touch down. Landau added a conversion to the final try and the score was rounded off at 74-0.

Harrogate would like to thank their visitors Amber Valley for making the long journey up from the Midlands and for a great game of rugby.

Harrogate will now play East London Ladies in the semi-final of the Junior Plate Competition on Sunday the 12th March at Rudding Lane. However, before the semi-final match the Ladies will play their penultimate League game against Bishop Auckland, again at Rudding Lane on Sunday 26th February.

All support is welcomed and will be highly appreciated to both matches!