Lancaster Lionesses are twinned with the local BUCS University team so have a squad of fresh and quick players, and Harrogate women are equally renowned for their speed in the back line, so expectations were set ahead of the match for 80 minutes of intensity and rapid game play.

A 2pm standard kick off saw immediate competition between the two sides, with Harrogate hammering Lancaster’s defensive line, continuing to advance toward that try line, hampered by strong defence from Lancaster and a series of unfortunate penalties. Harrogate managed to get a try, scored by Georgina ‘G’ Youlden twelve minutes into the match. Strong gusts of winds combined with a corner try meant no conversion. Just after the half-time break, G scores her second try at 2:50pm.

Unfortunately, Lancaster battered Harrogate’s defensive line, slowly but surely and crept into a try at 3:15pm. Gameplay was intense thereafter with both sides trying to get that ball out to the backs, utilising the full pitch width, with many heavy hitting rucks and breakdowns. A real physicality match.
Unfortunately for Gate, Lancaster managed to sneak a second try in against them at the final minute, which the whistle blown straight after a missed conversion. This leaves the score at an even 10-10 to each side.

Both sides had some brilliant rugby played, and look forward to a further face down in just three weeks, due to a previous re-arranged fixture, which only ramps up the excitement given the draw between the teams!

As to players of the match, recognised for particular hardworking was Jaydn Plummer, nominated for the opposition’s pick for player of the match, Ruth Besford as back of the match and Sarah Cowin for forward of the match.

Harrogate Women RUFC thank their sponsors and supporters for continued support, and look forward to their final matches.