In the very first minute of the match, Wharfedale charged down a Harrogate defensive kick, leading to a try from Sam Gaudie. They maintained pressure and following a catch and drive, Ben Wright scored a try which Tom Mann converted.

The rest of the half was fairly even, though a break by Mann saw Harrogate requiring an interception by Greg Jones to keep their line intact. Sam Fox made a midfield break, but this was snubbed out by excellent Wharfedale defence.

Harrogate started the second half strongly, scoring an immediate try through Will Hill, converted by Rory Macnab. Wharfedale responded with a 50:22. Quick ball was won, but a knock on ended a promising move. However, Simon Borrill effected another charge down, gathered the ball and quick hands saw Joshua Prell go over in the corner.

Wharfedale kept up the pressure. Mann hit the post with a penalty attempt from halfway, which led to a series of scrums that saw Harrogate’s Tom Baxter yellow carded. From the subsequent scrum, Wharfedale were awarded a penalty try, making the score 7 – 24. They continued to attack and crossed the line again, but were brought back for a Harrogate penalty following an infringement.

Toward the end of the game, Wharfedale’s James Coulton was stretchered off, and all wish him a speedy recovery.

After a short injury break, Harrogate exerted pressure, but resolute Wharfedale defence saw them run out winners.

Special thanks to the U14s, arranged by Rhys Silverwood, who provided the Guard of Honour for the 2-minute silence before the match in memory of the Queen and Bill Barrack, and ball boys for the game.

Teams

Harrogate RUFC: Macnab, Pearson, Kennell, Fox, Yates, Steene, Ibbotson, Derbyshire, Baxter, Elsayed, Phipps, Brady (capt), Jones, Hill, Spencer-Jones. Subs: Garrett, Jackson, Fenn, Raubitschek, Cummins.

Wharfedale: Bullough, Prell, Canny, Coulton, Cicognini, Mann, Gaudie, Beesley, Wright, Dickinson, Borrill, Hedgley (capt), Stockton, Green, Burridge. Subs: Altham, Speres, Mountain, Davidson, Moore.

Referee: Dave Charlton (RFU)

Tim Thorley
Harrogate RUFC
11 September 2022