Harrogate Ladies battle it out with Bath

Harrogate started strong and managed to score in the opening minutes of the contest. The first try came from Harrogate 7 minutes in and after relentless pressure on the Bath try line. It was prop, Amber Barnicoat who powered over. The extras were added by Lauren Bolger.

Harrogate had scored the maximum 7 points in as many minutes. 

This wouldn't stand for long though as Bath replied with a try out wide after 20 minutes. No conversion was added which meant the visiting Harrogate were still ahead by 2 points.

It didn't take long for returning winger, Olivia Almond to go over the whitewash. She touched down after some faultless link up play from Captain, Rose Jay and Bolger. 

Bolger made the conversion 2 from 2 and Harrogate were ahead by 9 points, 5-14.

Bath immediately responded, again no conversion followed, 10-14.

Next to go over for Harrogate was prop, Chrissy Pratt who charged over the line and splintered the defence on her way.  Bolger booted over the extras again and it was 10-21. 

A strong driving maul from Bath ensured them an increase on the scoreboard as they pushed Harrogate right back over their own try line.

The half-time whistle neared but Harrogate had chance for one more in the form of Foster, who sped through the middle to make it 17-26.

After the interval, Bath initiated the scores with a successful attempt at the sticks, after an early penalty. The southern side were catching up slowly but surely, 20-26.

The remainder of the second half was neck and neck, with Bath denying northern outfit another try, but scoring 1 more try and a last minute penalty kick to take over by 2 points. The final score was Bath 28-26 Harrogate.

Player of the match performances were awarded to Charlotte Warriner, Lauren Bolger and Sarah Foster to their stand out performances within the game. 

This weekend sees Harrogate Ladies II take on Stockport and a break for the first XV before facing Southern side, Blackheath in their third round of the cup next weekend (Sunday 15th).