Match Report: Harrogate vs Cleckheaton
Date: 24 January 2026
Competition: Regional 1 North East
Final Score: Harrogate 82 – 0 Cleckheaton

Harrogate delivered a dominant all-round performance to overwhelm an understrength Cleckheaton 82–0, running in 12 tries and controlling every facet of the match from the opening minute to the final whistle. The home side showed pace and depth across the squad, with a relentless attacking display and a flawless defensive effort that denied an injury and suspension-ridden Cleckheaton any scoring opportunities.

Harrogate set the tone immediately, scoring within the first minute through Dobson, who crossed for the opening try and added the conversion for a 7–0 lead.
From there, the floodgates opened:
• Richardson (7) finished off a sharp phase of play in the 9th minute.
• Harrison (1) powered over at 13 minutes.
• Sharma (11) added another try just four minutes later.
• Dodds (4) and Percival (2) both added scores before the half-hour mark.
By halftime, Harrogate already held a commanding 42–0 advantage and were eyeing a new high score for the season against Penrith in December.
Dobson maintained a perfect kicking record through the first half, adding conversion after conversion to stretch the lead with ruthless efficiency.

The second half saw no let-up from Harrogate. Their bench injected further energy, particularly through the forwards, and Cleckheaton struggled to cope with the tempo as tempers frayed and the Harrogate bench emptied:
• 48’ – Steene (15) off, Tanumi (20) on
• 48’ – Wilson (9) off, Horberry (18) on
• 49’ – Dalby (3) off, Maycock (16) on

Key moments included:
• Percival (2) secured his hat trick in the 60th minute
• Hill (8) crashed over twice, at 48 and 69 minutes.
• Richardson (7) added another try in the 72nd minute.
• A final score by Mallinson (10) locked in the win and locked out Cleckheaton from taking anything from the game.
Dobson’s only blemish of the match was a missed conversion at the 61-minute mark, yet he still delivered an exceptional kicking performance overall.

Harrogate finished on 82–0 but will meet tougher competition in the coming weeks.

Harrogate produced a statement performance, but with the league leaders running in over 100 points against Penrith and Alnwick securing a win but dropping a point, the play-offs are looking more likely for the end of the season. The challenge will be to take the second-place spot and home advantage.