Harrogate v Billingham
Saturday, 26th April 2025

Match Report

A hugely anticipated game didn’t fail to deliver, as both teams had everything to gain from a high-scoring encounter. With a season-record crowd of over 600, Harrogate welcomed buses full of Billingham fans seeking a single point for National 2 survival.

The away side, Billingham, made their intentions clear from the outset. In the 4th minute, Daniel Dixon powered over for a converted try, immediately seizing the initiative and putting the visitors ahead at 0-7. The early pressure from Billingham continued to pay dividends, with Pete Evans crossing the whitewash 3 minutes later and personally adding the extras, solidifying Billingham’s advantage at 0-14, leaving Harrogate rocked. They remained so for the first 20 minutes as Billingham racked up 21 points.

Harrogate began to find their rhythm, and in the 24th minute, Finn Green scored a crucial try, and Kristan Dobson’s successful conversion a minute later narrowed the gap to 7-21.

Billingham responded swiftly as Jamie Lane dotted down and Evans’ reliable boot added the conversion. Most importantly, the 4th try secured the crucial bonus point and another season of National League rugby. Harrogate managed to claw back another try through Steve Maycock in the 32nd minute, and Dobson’s subsequent conversion reduced the deficit to 14-28 as the half-time whistle approached.

With the bonus point secured and the break giving Harrogate an opportunity to regroup, momentum quickly shifted to the home side.

The second half witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum as Harrogate emerged with renewed determination. Kristan Dobson opened the scoring immediately in the 2nd half, and expertly converted his score, closing the gap to 7. Martin Dodds powered over for another Harrogate converted try in the 41st minute, levelling the score 28-28.

The comeback was complete in the 50th minute as Kristen Dobson secured his second try of the game, finally edging Harrogate into the lead at 33-28. Hooker, Steve Maycock secured his second try of the game in the 66th minute, but the conversion was missed, leaving Harrogate narrowly ahead at 38-28.

Attention now shifted to the results at Chester and Otley, with Harrogate heading toward a 5-point win. However, Billingham refused to concede defeat. In the 76th minute, Daniel Dixon scored his second try of the match, and Evans’ conversion brought them back within striking distance at 45-35. With the clock winding down, Dobson held his nerve to slot a crucial penalty for Harrogate in the 79th minute, securing the victory at 48-35. Unfortunately for the Aces, despite wins in Otley and Chester, Harrogate was relegated.

Director of Rugby, Martyn Wood: “I am so proud of the boys and the coaching staff for what they have achieved. In any of the other Nat 2 leagues, 52 points would see a side mid-table. We have come so far this season and the team is more connected than ever. We will bounce back from this”

Star Player: Kristan Dobson

Attendance: 600