Harrogate take on Southern side Thurrock in the first round of the Championship cup

Harrogate were expecting a battle from Thurrock T birds in the opening round of the Championship 1 cup. The North Yorkshire side welcomed the southerners who ranked 2nd in their equivalent league down south to Weetwood sports park.

The game was Neck and neck from the word go and was somehow 0-0 until 24 minutes in, even though Harrogate were close to scoring twice.

Thurrock managed to go over the line first though as they played the phases through a strong Harrogate defence. The extras were not added as the conversion fell short in horrendously windy conditions at Weetwood sports park.

In her first appearance since returning to play, scrum half Leah Birkin was looking strong from the word go and more comfortable than ever at the base of the ruck, dictating the game as she went.

Breakthroughs were made by number 8, Rianna Manson and centres Sarah Foster and Tilly Churm. Captain, Rose jay made a break up the pitch and was supported by Lauren Bolger on the right wing. She was stopped just short of the try line by Thurrock defence.

On another occasion, Harrogate were nearly in for a second time as Churm set up Foster on the line. However, a Thurrock defender intercepted and subsequently made her way up the pitch, leaving the half way line behind here. Luckily, she was stopped in her tracks by Anna Hamilton and Jay, who ensured she was not going to initiate the points for Thurrock just yet.

With both teams conceding a number of penalties, the match became a game of tug and war in terms of possession and dominance.

After winning a penalty for an off side offence and late tackle on scrum half Birkin, Harrogate were on the attack and dragging Thurrock all over the pitch with them, displaying skill all over the pitch.

The northern outfit were set to be over the whitewash before the wind carried the ball forward and out of the arms of Bolger as the half time whistle neared, leaving them pointless still.

Thurrock responded by progressing down the pitch again after a scrum on their own try line and the ball was taken to the line out. The first half finished with the southerners in the lead by 10.

Both teams reappeared on the pitch raring to go after half time.

Though Thurrock conceded a yellow card which gave Harrogate the penalty try after a tackle off the ball, this allowed Harrogate to catch up, 7-10.

Thurrock then won a penalty kick soon after and stretched the lead by 6 points. Though Harrogate kept up in defence and had a number of breaks, it was Thurrock who made it count throughout the rest of the second half, putting another two tries past the opposition.

The full time score was 7-23.