Harrogate Ladies bag their first away win of the season against Ashfield

Lucy Barnett’s side travelled to Ashfield on Sunday and brought back their second win of the season to Rudding Lane.
A strong kick from Harrogate to start ensured an Ashfield knock on. However, the first 15 minutes were hectic and saw possession changing rapidly, a series of penalties on and an opening score from Ashfield as their scrum half broke the defence and dived over the line.

The home team’s lead was short lived though as Prop, Amber Barnicoat responded with force driving hard at the Ashfield defence. Despite a fumble at the try line Harrogate did well to regain possession and Second row, Fran Hoyde scored Harrogate’s first try in her league debut 20 minutes in.

Strong Harrogate play continue with impressive forward runs from Barnicoat and Number 8, Ellie Ward. After the phases were played by the forwards it was time for the Harrogate backs to show their strength and speed, the ball was shipped out to Fly Half, Rose Jay who outstepped and outpaced the Ashfield defence. Harrogate had 2 tries in 2 minutes. Full Back, Ailish Clear added the extras and brought the score to 12-5 in the visitor’s favour.

Following their second try the Harrogate backs began to dominate the field, they applied the pressure as a unit at the try line as the quick thinking Scrum Half, Leah Birkin dived over the defence and the line to score a third. Harrogate lead 17-5 but were sure to keep up the intensity for the last 10 minutes of the first half.

The backs continued to dominate and displayed their smart passing and pace with Centre, Evie Jackson crossing the line to score the fourth try just before half time. With one play left Ashfield fought back powering through the solid Harrogate defence and adding one last score before the break. Harrogate lead 22-10 at half time.

Upon the restart Ashfield began the second how they ended the first breaking through a stunned Harrogate defensive line one minute after the resume of play, adding another try and closing the gap, 22-15.

With the referee quick to discipline high tackles under the new regulations a yellow card a piece was conceded by each team. Yet, neither team managed to take advantage of their opposition’s disadvantage at the loss of a player. Ashfield began to dominate and Harrogate were pinned back in their half for long periods of time. However, their defence stayed defiant. An exchange of kicks were to follow but they failed to release the pressure on the resilient yet tiring visiting side.

Eventually Harrogate burst past the Ashfield line in a complete turn of play, Jess Young forced herself over the try line scoring her debut try for Harrogate which brought the final score to 27-15 to the visitors.

Many thanks go to Ashfield for being both fierce competition and wonderful hosts, we look forward to returning the favour later in the season. Harrogate face Halifax next Sunday, 15th October in their third game of the season.