Although it was a Harrogate kick to start, with West Park to receive, a strong start meant that the ball was quickly turned over in West Park’s half by an aggressive Harrogate attack and successful counter ruck led by Flanker Lauren Clarkson. Harrogate’s first try was scored shortly afterwards by Full Back Ailish Clear. Though no conversion followed, it meant that the scoreboard was successfully started by Harrogate at an early stage with the score standing at 5-0.

West Park’s restart was both well read and well received by forward Maisie Barnett who caught the ball straight off and carried it back into West Park’s half of the pitch. The Harrogate forwards then made more ground in the opposition’s half by working collectively and drawing in the defence. Subsequently, a space was opened up for the backs as scrum half, Rose Jay accelerated further into West Park’s territory making a long pass to Evie Jackson who made a clean break on her way towards the try line in her first run out as Centre. Although two members of the opposition were hot on her tail, they weren’t quite quick enough to stop Jackson making it over the line and scoring. Again, no conversion followed but the score became 10-0 in Harrogate’s favour.

While Harrogate were off to a strong start, West Park fought back hard and put a stop to more Harrogate tries for a period of time. Harrogate gave away a number of penalties as a result of pressure put on by West Park and for over indulgent tackles. This led to West Park gaining territory and progressing into the Harrogate half. However, Harrogate demonstrated defensive play which put a standstill to West Park’s progress and pushed them to give away a penalty which was quickly taken by Rose Jay. The scrum half’s tactical tap was followed by an impressive run which evaded all of the West Park defence and the number 9’s first try of the season was scored. Following the try was the first conversion of the match, scored by Ailish Clear and rounding the score up to 17-0.

The next restart was again caught perfectly by Maisie Barnett which resulted in herself and the Harrogate forwards pursuing through the West Park defence swiftly, showing their strength as a unit. Prop, Josie Riggs crashed through the middle of West Park’s defensive line and powerhouse, Jodie Edwards then smashed her way through the last line of defence scoring her first try for Harrogate. This try was converted making the score 24-0. West Park then showed their strength after a Harrogate fumble in response to the restart. The play was being pushed back towards the Harrogate try line when the ball was won back and passed along the line to speedy Winger, Sarah Jayne Pritchard who scored her first try of the match and made the score 29-0.

West Park chased their kick upon the restart well and though they made some ground and secured the ball a knock on was made and a scrum was awarded to Harrogate. A strong scrum resulted in a quick play led by Rose Jay who passed down the line to Jess Wild, who was playing Fly Half for the first time. From here, another quick pass was made to Evie Jackson who subsequently set up Outside Centre Sophie Harker who successfully made her first try for Harrogate. This try was converted by Leah Birkin who had just made her return to the pitch alongside Hooker, Remennie Brooks. Another quick play from the backs resulted in a third try for the Harrogate Full Back bringing the score up to 41-0.

West Park went on to display some strong defensive movements and received a penalty for a high tackle against them. This gave them the tool to move forward into Harrogate’s half of the pitch and make some headway. Although they initially did this, the ball was turned over and moved back into West Park’s half. A number of tackles were made in an effort to stop Harrogate but the ball moved towards the try line as it was consistently secured safely through strong rucking. The ball was pushed over the line by forward, Helena Landau who scored her first try for Harrogate and last try of the half.

The score at the start of the second half was 46-0 to Harrogate but there was an obvious improvement in West Park upon their return to the pitch. Their play was more aggressive and they played as a stronger unit. Even so, another two tries were scored consecutively as Jodie Edwards carried the ball over the try line from a phased play and Ailish Clear made a rapid run from halfway. As Clear’s try was converted by Leah Birkin the score became 58-0.
As play restarted Leah Birkin received a long ball and steamed ahead up the wing to score, no conversion followed and the score became 63-0. Birkin went on to score a second try which was followed by a huge run from forward Sarah Kemp who was only stopped by West Park defence metres away from their try line.

Though Kemp was pipped to the post, Harrogate managed to retain the ball with some difficulty, as it made its way towards the centre Jess Wild who made a run for it, put the ball down between the posts and took her first try for Harrogate. Wild’s try was converted by Helena Landau and was soon to be followed by a fast forward play which resulted in Maisie Barnett scoring her first try for the team.
As the second half drew to a close both teams worked hard and West Park put on a lot of pressure, making a lot of ground in the last few minutes. A knock on resulted in Sarah Jayne Pritchard gaining the ball. The Winger made a dash for it, having to dance around some West Park defence on her way to the try line but scoring her second try and last try of the match.

Harrogate’s Women of the Match were awarded to: Jessica Wild (Back of the match) for an outstanding first run out as number 10, Lauren Clarkson (Forward of the Match) for smashing it in her new position as flanker and finally to Maisie Barnett (Coach’s choice) for fearless and consistent hard work each game. Huge congratulations to each and every member of the team on their 88-0 win and excellent effort at working as a solid unit. Additionally, many thanks for having us and a well done to Leeds West Park II for their performance.

Harrogate Ladies will play Acklam at home (Rudding Lane, Harrogate) on 13th of November and look forward to seeing you all there! All match pictures courtesy of Andrew Jackson,Shutter 42 and thanks to the team Physio, Alex Morrell.