Sunday’s match kicked off after a traditional two minutes’ silence in honour of all fallen British Soldiers and Veterans.
After a Harrogate kick off there was a mixture of Harrogate and Acklam attacks, with both teams seeming evenly matched. Though, it was evident at this point that Harrogate weren’t playing as their usual team unit or up to their usual standard. Unfortunately, around the ten minute mark, a Harrogate Centre received a problematic injury which resulted in a change of pitch for the duration of the match.

However, a change of pitch resulted in a change of perspective for Harrogate and they were a new team as play resumed. Shortly after the re-start, a strong scrum in Acklam’s half resulted in a quick pick up and pass out to Centre, Caroline Cockshott. After a run from the 22 a try was scored by Cockshott to the far left of the sticks. No conversion followed but the score was initiated at 5-0. This didn’t stand for long as Cockshott showed off her speed for the second time as she darted around the Acklam defence. Cockshott overtook and outran Acklam to score another try only minutes after her first; as no conversion followed the score was 10-0.Some fast Forward’s play followed on Harrogate’s behalf with the game largely residing in Acklam’s half of the pitch. The ball was smoothly picked up by prop, Sarah Kemp who managed to smash through a series of Acklam defence with ease on a run which ended as she scored, forcing her way over the line. Kemp’s first try for Harrogate made the score 15-0.

The Harrogate forwards continued to push through Acklam’s defensive line as play continued after the Acklam restart. Nevertheless, the ball was lost to Acklam and carried into Harrogate’s half of the pitch. Acklam made some headway at this stage. This was through a combination of seriously strong rucking which kept the ball safe and secure and a temporary lack of push from Harrogate’s defence. However, a messy Acklam off-load caused a change in play with Harrogate pursuing back into Acklam territory with pace. After a stint of fierce forward play the ball was picked up by Fly Half, Jess Wild and cleverly carried further forwards. When enough defence was drawn in Wild made the perfect pop pass to Centre, Evie Jackson, who spotted the space and cruised her way past Acklam defence to score Harrogate’s fourth try. Jackson’s try was converted by AIlish Clear to make the score 22-0 at the end of the first half.

The second half kicked off with a slight change in teams for both Harrogate and Acklam, with Harrogate receiving the ball upon the re- start it was quickly carried deep into the Acklam half by Forwards, Maisie Barnett and Leanne Edmondson. As the ball neared the try line Harrogate’s play was very fast which impacted on their composure, resulting in the ball being turned over and making a way back into their own half.
The ball was clumsily released by Acklam in a tackle and found itself back in Harrogate hands. Passes were made until the ball reached Full back, Ailish Clear who made a turn which threw off the defence, followed by an extensive run up the left of the pitch. Clear sneakily stepped the last player present in defence before scoring a try and securing the score at 27-0.

The Harrogate forwards readily received the ball on the re start once again which resulted in a period of heavy attack against Acklam. Although Acklam defence held Harrogate off for a period of time Flanker, Lauren Clarkson made a prevailing push which proceeded to position the ball perfectly for Centre, Emma Gentry to get her hands on it. Gentry avoided being tackled into touch tremendously and subsequently scored her first try for Harrogate. This pushed the points to 32-0. Gentry’s first try was closely followed by a second, scored again on the far left of the sticks bringing the score to 37-0.

Towards the end of the second half the game became very fast paced with both teams rushing. This resulted in a number of errors and turnovers. However, Winger, Sarah Jayne Pritchard’s quick reactions enabled her to pick up a ball which had been lost by Acklam, power up the left wing and score. SJ’s try settled the score at 42-0 with minutes to go. Yet, in the last play of the match, the forwards took control after the restart. This was followed with some powerful play between the backs, space was created and clever passes were made, this allowed Evie Jackson to assist Winger, Rosie Gillies to score her first try for Harrogate (on her second appearance) and bring the match to a close in style.

The final score was 47-0 to Harrogate Ladies. Many thanks to: our guests Acklam, the Harrogate Ladies who helped Acklam out with numbers to ensure a full 15s game could be played and to all management, coaches, officials and spectators. Special thanks to Alex Morrell our Physio, who had a very busy match this week and to Andrew Jackson (Shutter42) for all our match pictures.

Unfortunately, the scheduled Junior Plate game which was due to be played at Rudding Lane this Sunday against Hull has been cancelled but it does mean the ladies are through to the second stage of the Junior Plate. Nonetheless, we hope to see you all on Sunday 27th November for our development game against Burnley (kick off TBC).