HARROGATE U-15’s v WHARFEDALE U-15’s

Harrogate U-15’s defeated a well drilled Wharfedale U-15 team 29 points to 10 at Harrogate High School ground on Sunday.

Despite the first half being dominated by Wharfedale’s forwards it was ‘Gate who opened the scoring very much against the run of play with a breakaway try from Ollie Harris who picked up just outside his own 22 and ran the length of the pitch to touch down under the posts and Will Clough added the extras.

Wharfedale maintained their discipline and continued to pressure, relentlessly driving forward, recycling the ball through phase after phase until their efforts were rewarded with Paul Borrill crossing the whitewash for a well earned try.

The visitors played most of the first period in ‘Gate’s half and must have had 70% possession but it was ‘Gate who took their chances when they were presented. ‘Gate’s second attack led to their second try with some good back line work resulting in Will Clough immaculately side stepping the last defender to score. I could not possibly mix up Will and Tim this week because I simply could not imagine Tim with such grace, poise, balance and speed!

Surprisingly, the half time scoreline was 12 – 5 to the home side but the changes in Harrogate’s pack rang the changes for the second half in which Harrogate’s forwards ended Wharfedale’s superiority.

‘Gate’s first try shortly after the interval came from a move that started in their own half with a break from Will Clough. Will Hebblethwaite chipped over and Steve Townsend powered over the whitewash before continued persistent pressure from Harrogate’s forwards won a 5yd penalty which resulted in Ralph Hipps driving over.

‘Gate’s final try was a well worked piece, again starting in their own half, with quick ball through fast hands out to the wing where Harry Parrish in the loop drew a tackler and off-loaded to Liam Kernoghan who slipped the ball inside for Greg Minikin to notch another and Luke Hudson slotted the conversion.

Wharfedale had the last word when their backs finally moved the ball wide to release Sam Macha who scorched down the wing for the final points of the encounter.

Man of the Match was Steve Townsend.