Harrogate Ladies suffer their second loss of the season in Women’s Championship North One at the hands of Lichfield Ladies in a 24-5 encounter.

Written by Clarissa Murphy

Harrogate Ladies suffered their second loss of the season in Women’s Championship North One at the hands of Lichfield Ladies in a 24-5 encounter.

In wet and muddy conditions, the visitors were faced by a physical opponent from kick off with an intense start to the game as they fiercely held off the hosts attack.

Harrogate opened up their attack into the hosts half through the boot of Lauren Bolger and Freya Wilde, giving the back line room to play with and forwards time to reset.

Despite some fearless tackles on the edges from Olivia Almond, Bolger and Emily Rushton Lichfield worked round the outside for two unconverted tries to secure a 10-0 lead at the break.

Back from the break the visitors were once again faced with pressure, but continuing to face it head on, Lichfield were on the receiving end of some dominant tackles from Amy Battel, Tilly Churm and Nieve Jones.

The hosts began to use their set piece and dominant forward pack to set them away in attack scoring from a maul under the sticks and a scrum five metres out to extend their lead to 24-0.

Harrogate continued to show their intent to the end, keeping the tempo and execution under pressure.

Utilising some quick pace out wide, Izzy Harris carried strong into the hosts 22 with a penalty in hand, Rose Jay used her quick feet to set away the attack through Churm followed by a powerful attacking line from Sarah Foster to finish under the posts to trail 24-5 at the final whistle.

The players of the match performances were awarded to Tilly Churm and Sarah Foster.

Next up, Harrogate welcome Sheffield Ladies RFC to Rudding Lane this Sunday, September 24th with Harrogate Ladies II visiting West Park Leeds II.