Harrogate Ladies earn a good win against Acklam Avengers

Harrogate travelled to Acklam on Sunday, confident from the good score against Bishop Auckland. The draw against Bishop helped to boost the team for Acklam.
It was quick to see that Acklam had improved greatly since their last meeting, but with a strong 15 set to face the side, Harrogate had to show what they could do.
From the moment of kick off Harrogate were tight up against Acklam, breaking through the defensive line and causing Acklam some problems Harrogate received multiple penalties which quickly led to scoring a try by Ellie Ward, but with no conversion Harrogate were ahead by 5.
Acklam took some time to get into the game but once they did they put the pressure on Harrogate, testing the defense and reaching the 5 metre line but with Harrogate building a wall they were able to break the attacking line down and reach Acklams try line. With another penalty by Acklam, Harrogate once more had a scrum on the 5 metre line. However the attack was short lived after Harrogate's number 19 frequently off her feet in the ruck.
With Harrogate's attack faltering towards the end of the first half, Acklam pulled hard into the game, proving stronger before the half time whistle. The first half was ill disciplined for both teams. But the attack and defense for Harrogate and Acklam were strong, yet Harrogate had just the edge to breakthrough and increase the pressure.
Starting into the second half, Acklam quickly had the scrum for a knock on by Harrogate, but Harrogate proved dominant in the scrum, stealing the ball from Acklam. With a strong Acklam defense, Full back Kat Currums for Harrogate broke through the line to reach the try line and increase the score for Harrogate. With another failed conversion, the score was up to 10-0 for Harrogate.
Harrogate however were quick off the mark and breaking for the try line once more, only to be called short by the referee for being offside. With Acklam awarded the scrum, the pressure was on once more but yet again the scrum was stolen by Harrogate allowing number 8 Ellie Ward to break through the tiring defense of Acklam. But with Acklam not rolling away in the breakdown, Harrogate won themselves a scrum on the 5 metre line. It was Ellie Ward who pushed hard through the line to reach over and gain another try for Harrogate. With the score 15-0, Harrogate, full of confidence wanted more.
With quick play, Harrogate were back over the try line but with the ball held up, and a good defense by Acklam neither teams were giving in to this match.
With the last play of the game, Acklam had the line out in the Harrogate but with Harrogate stealing the ball, it was a firm win for the Harrogate Ladies side.
With the final score at 15-0 for Harrogate, both of these teams battle with strength and determination. Having improved massively from when both side met.

Harrogate Ladies next face Morpeth at home, kick off at 2:30pm.

Written by Steph Mallinson