Match Report: Penrith vs Harrogate (Away)

Final Score: Penrith 26 – Harrogate 24
Harrogate fell just short, dropping points to a disciplined Penrith in the glorious sunshine and torrential rain.
First Half: Early Dominance from Harrogate
Harrogate came out firing, with winger Sharma (#11) crossing the line twice in the opening 20 minutes (6’ and 19’), both converted confidently by Macnab (#15) to give the visitors a 14–0 lead. Tactical substitutions followed, with Maycock replacing Harrison at 28 minutes.
Penrith responded late in the half, scoring a try at 37 minutes to reduce the deficit to 14–5 heading into the break.
Second Half: Penrith Fight Back
The hosts stayed on the pitch at halftime and were ready for the Aces when they returned to the field to a disgruntled home crowd. They scored two quick tries (42’ and 54’) and converted both to take a narrow 19–14 lead. Harrogate answered back through Maycock (#16) at 50 minutes, though Macnab missed the conversion, leaving the score at 19–19.
Substitutions continued to shape the game, with Harrison returning and Dalby making way at 51 minutes, followed by Rossilo replacing Macnab at 53’.
Penrith surged again, scoring and converting at 60’ and 61’ to extend their lead to 26–19.
Late Drama: Harrogate’s Final Push
Harrogate refused to go quietly. A late substitution saw Gilmartin come on briefly for Richardson at 73’ before making his way to the bin soon after. But despite playing with 14 men for the remainder of the game, Scurr (#14) cantered over for a crucial try. Unfortunately, Steene (#10) missed the conversion, leaving Harrogate trailing by just two points.
Unable to retain the ball from the kick off, Harrogate couldn’t find the winning score in the final minutes, and Penrith held on for a narrow 26–24 victory.

Director of Rugby, Jake Brady commented:
Penrith were well deserving of their 5 point victory. They kept the ball well with a low error and penalty count which limited us possession in good areas of the pitch. I was happy with our scrum and line out and we scored some nice tries from transition.

Our defence struggled to prevent Penriths ball carriers from making meters and they consistently made their way down the pitch to our try line and eventually take some points. While we are all disappointed not to win there were some leaps forward in certain areas of our game. We started much better than last week, going 14 points ahead. Also the feeling of togetherness and a willingness to work for one another was a level up from last week. This is going to be important in a long attritional season!

On returning to the sheds it was great to hear word of a Georgians win In Morley. Some strong performance have applied pressure on places in the 1st team. This competition will force everyone to raise their game!