The pressure was on Harrogate to perform to their optimum after a shocking 77-0 defeat in their last meeting with Morpeth. However, Harrogate had the home advantage and were raring for revenge. Though Morpeth won the toss and chose a Harrogate kick off, Harrogate’s chase was solid and they met the attack well into their half of the pitch. Harrogate quickly received a penalty against them which resulted in a Morpeth line out just outside Harrogate’s 22. The pressure put on by the Harrogate forwards resulted in a Morpeth knock on and a successful Harrogate scrum. The ball travelled swiftly across to the left wing and Harrogate found themselves hurriedly heading back into Morpeth’s half of the pitch.

Even with a mixture of mistakes most of the action was led by Harrogate. 20 minutes in they dominated a Morpeth line out when Flanker, Lizzie Goddard-Taylor, secured the ball and presented perfectly to Scrum Half, Rose Jay. Jay picked up quickly and passed out to Fly Half, Jess Wild who carried the ball forward then moved it left to Number 8, Ellie Ward. Ward spotted Full Back, Ailish Clear who then set up Winger, Leah Birkin for a rapid run on Harrogate’s 22-meter line. Birkin showed significant speed whilst she stepped masses of the Morpeth defence in her path up the left-hand side of the pitch. The run was polished off by Birkin placing the ball down between the posts, and the try converted by Clear to put Harrogate in the lead, 7-0.

As the second half began the score was still 7-0 to Harrogate. Yet Morpeth showed their strength and within the first 10 minutes had hammered their way through Harrogate’s defence and over the try line. No conversion followed leaving Harrogate still in the lead, 7-5. Harrogate kept up their power and persistence throughout the fast paced second half showing some bold defence. Yet, Morpeth took advantage of every mistake Harrogate made and were brutal in the breakdown area. Morpeth nearly took the lead but Harrogate Centre, Evie Jackson successfully held up the try supported by the backs. At this point a penalty was awarded due to Morpeth rucking off their feet and was quickly taken which allowed Harrogate to make their last advance into Morpeth’s half. The ball was secured by the backs and when the whistle blew it was clear that Harrogate had made significant ground towards the opposition’s try line.

The final score was 7-5 to Harrogate, an incredible contrast from a 77-0 loss to the same team three months before this. This shows not only the development of the Harrogate Ladies Rugby team in such a short space of time but also the commitment and drive that the Harrogate Ladies have to play well and to succeed. Many thanks to: the management, coaches, physios, officials, photographers, spectators present on the day and to Morpeth for travelling such a way to play. Woman of the Match went to Forward Lauren Clarkson & Back Leah Birkin

Harrogate Ladies play Scarborough Ladies this Sunday 15th January at Rudding Lane, kick off at 14:00. As always, the team want and welcome your support and encourage your loudest #RuddingRoars