Harrogate defeat York 7-38 at Clifton

Glorious autumnal sunshine greeted us today at York RUFC and there was no sign of the cold weather which had been forecasted, but Mr. Cozens, Pie Purveyor extraordinaire came prepared in his mobile version of Halfords, giving every impression that his arduous trek down the A59 was akin to the Paris-Dakar rally. In fact, there was so much stuff in the back of the Landy that there was no room for any pies. Surely this was a bad omen? We were not to be disappointed though as a feast of rugby awaited us at Clifton Park.

The crisp conditions gave a good opportunity to dust off the camera and take a few snaps for our injured and forlorn prop, Tom, who wandered up and down the York side of the pitch generally ruffling feathers and getting in the way – typical prop really. See the end of the report for a link to the online images.

Harrogate started the match with regulars Goulding, Ellis, Ismail and Finney on the bench and welcomed into the team the promising Harriers players Kersey, Carr, Wylie and Mohindra who would be up against stiff opposition in York, who tend not to take prisoners and are always a tough team to contend with.

11am passed by and the kick off to York saw them make good progress forwards up to the half way line with good rucking and recycling of the ball, when a sudden defensive lapse and missed tackle saw York make a break from 40m out and score under the posts in the first two minutes. The conversion sailed over the imaginary crossbar which had probably provided some warmth to someone disposing of a Guy on bonfire night. 2 minutes in and Harrogate were already 7-0 down. This was a poor omen and just the kind of start the team didn’t need after a similar start to the Brods match a few weeks ago.

However, the score seemed to fire up the Harrogate players, with the forwards in particular deciding to stamp their authority on the game with some great rucking and turnover ball, led by captain Broadhurst who was always in the thick of things. Helped behind the scenes by Carr at scrum half who was quick to the rucks, controlling play and delivering safe, quick ball; the forwards rumbled deep into York territory when the ball was nipped out to prop Joe Hay who broke through the York line and held the ball just long enough before delivering a sweet pass to James Bolger who popped the egg out to ex York player Igoe to cross the whitewash to bring Harrogate back to 7-5 down on 8 minutes.

The run of play was now very much in Harrogate’s favour as the pack increased their dominance in the scrums, driving York away from the ball each time and rucking with purpose, securing excellent possession for the Harrogate backs to play with. From their own 22, Bruno Horacio sped away down the right wing, supported again by the on-form Igoe who took the ball on the 22 and scored under the posts. Another ex York player, Dylan George slotted the conversion over for a 12-7 Harrogate lead on 15 minutes.

The next 15 minutes saw deadlock as York struggled to come back into the game, but were thwarted by solid defence at every turn, when from the back of the breakdown close to the York line, Carr took the ball and helped himself to 5 points under the post, duly converted by Dylan George to take a more secure 19-7 lead into the break.

Half time saw Goulding, Ellis, Ismail and Finney take to the field and Barnard, Carr, George and the gouged Keane take a rest on the sidelines.

Harrogate came out all guns blazing in the second half with Hall, Ismail and Kersey forming a superb partnership which was to be seen time and time again this match to send Kersey over for a try from 40m only one minute into the half. Ismail and Hall used the ball excellently from their own 22, timing their 2 passes to perfection before Harrison Kersey sprinted into the distance. Finney converted to widen the gap to 26-7 to the visitors.

More dominant forwards play from the Harrogate pack saw tempers beginning to fray from their York counterparts and a penalty on the half way line on 41 minutes gave Ismail the opportunity he was looking for to jink his way through the York defenders and score under the posts to allow Finney a simple conversion and stretch the lead now to 33-7 in Harrogate’s favour.

York still had some wind in their sails though and clawed back to pressure the Harrogate line and on 49 minutes, created an overlap from a series of free kicks and penalties which pulled them 40m upfield, only to be bundled into touch by the speedy winger, Bruno Horacio who saved a certain try after the York forwards had failed to pummel their way through the ‘Gate forwards in the centre.

Just as it seemed time was creeping to an end, another Harrogate attack saw Goulding thump into the York defence, drawing in more players than York should have committed. Goulding managed to deliver an inch perfect pass to Igoe who needed no further encouragement to score again against his old team to complete a thoroughly-deserved hat trick on 54 minutes.

York never gave up though and full credit to their no8 who kept coming back for more in spite of being winded a few times for his efforts in his direct style of play, but Goulding and Hay prevented his progress with a tackle that I could feel through the ground 15m away when the ref blew for full time to end the match.

So, a possibly unexpected result to a match which 3 weeks ago resulted in a 0-0 draw at Claro Road in the 1st round of the Yorkshire Cup. The distinct pie famine was keenly felt at full time, but the catering and hospitality at York is matched only by their excellent facilities so the lads went home with full bellies and a rosy glow in their cheeks to match the autumnal leaves at Clifton Park. Either that or they had sneaked Pernod into the water bottles at half time.

Thanks to York for their genial hospitality and touchline friendliness – it is always a pleasure to visit.

Photos online at Flickr - click the link below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/badgerxx/sets/72157625334282574/