Match Report: York vs Harrogate
Final Score: York 12 – 28 Harrogate
Venue: York
Date: 22nd November 2025
Harrogate travelled to struggling York with no doubt they were going to face a fired-up and committed side who secured a tight win when the Aces last visited. Under the lights, the game, the crowd and the rugby did not disappoint.

First Half
The game began with York showing early promise, winning the physical battle and taking the game to Harrogate from the outset. After sustained pressure, they were rewarded and powered over for the opening try in the 19th minute, giving York a 5–0 lead. The conversion was missed, which set the tone for the hosts kicking throughout the afternoon.
Changes from the bench enabled Harrogate to respond strongly. In the 31st minute, Sharma (11) crossed the line to level the scores at 5–5. With Macnab (10), boosted in confidence from the game-winning kick two weeks ago, slotting the conversion to put Harrogate ahead 5–7. The visitors carried this narrow lead into halftime, with both sides battling hard in the breakdown and showing solid defensive structures.

Second Half
Harrogate came out firing after the break. Sharma (11) struck again in the 51st minute with his second try of the match, extending the lead to 5–12. Macnab (10) was clinical from the tee, adding the extras for 5–14.
York had a chance to close the gap when Fordy (10) lined up a penalty in the 55th minute, but his effort drifted wide. Harrogate continued to dominate territory and possession, and their pressure paid off in the 74th minute when Dobson (15) finished a sweeping move to score. Macnab (10) converted, stretching the lead to 5–21.
York showed resilience late on. In the 78th minute, they grabbed their second try, and Fordy (10) converted to bring the score to 12–21. However, with time left on the clock, Harrogate had the final say: Dobson (15) crossed again in the dying moments, and Macnab (10) maintained his perfect second-half kicking record to seal a convincing 12–28 victory and 5 league points to keep them in the chase and back into the play-off spots.

Director of Rugby, Jake Brady said:
“The game was in the balance for a long period but eventually we took hold of it and came away with 5 points.
York had a direct gameplan which they got success from at times. Our strength at set piece limited their possession and provided us lots of ball to play with.

We looked dangerous throughout the game in both backs and forwards. Too often we ended an attacking set by trying to force a pass and losing possession though. Letting York off the hook.
I was very pleased with some of the efforts we made to get back and make try saving tackles. Almost as much as the final try that we had to score to get the try bonus point. The group proved again they can do what’s required when the chips are down.
The Georgians also won at home 40-25 against Wath which sees both 1s & 2s move up to 3rd place in their leagues.”