Match Report: Driffield 29 – 39 Harrogate
31 January 2026

Harrogate claimed an impressive away victory at Driffield, winning 39–29 in a fast-paced, high-scoring encounter dominated by attacking rugby, momentum swings, and a standout individual performance from Hooker Charlie Head.

First Half
Driffield opened the scoring early, crossing the line for a try in the 4th minute to make it 5–0.
But the conversion was missed.
Harrogate responded quickly. Steene scored their first try in the 7th minute to level the match at 5–5, although Dobson was unable to add the extras.
Momentum shifted further when Head crossed the line in the 13th minute, giving Harrogate a 5–10 advantage.
Dobson slotted the conversion in the 14th minute to extend the lead to 5–12.
Driffield struck back, scoring again in the 17th minute, narrowing the gap to 10–12, before converting to level the match at 12–12.
Driffield kept the scoreboard ticking, kicking a penalty in the 25th minute to edge the home side back in front, 15–12 at halftime.

Second Half
Harrogate came out firing.
Dobson crossed the line in the 44th minute to restore their lead at 15–17, though the conversion went wide immediately after.
Harrogate’s growing dominance was reflected in another Dobson try in the 48th minute, bringing back memories of the league-winning victory 2 seasons ago. With the conversion missed, the lead was only stretched by 7 to 15–22.
However, the visitors piled on further pressure when Richardson scored in the 50th minute to make it 15–27. Unlike last week, Dobson's boot didn’t deliver with the conversion attempt, once again failing to hit the spot.
Driffield refused to fold and fought back in the 60th minute, reducing the deficit to 22–27.
But Harrogate surged again.
Head crossed for his second try of the afternoon in the 68th minute for 22–32, though Mallinson, taking over kicking duties for the injured Dobson, missed the conversion that followed.
Head then completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute to push Harrogate to 22–37, with Mallinson converting successfully a minute later for 22–39.
A consolation try for Driffield in the 78th minute gave the hosts a well-deserved bonus point. The conversion in the 79th minute meant little chance of closing the gap, and the game closed at 29–39.

Replacements
As ever, the strength of Harrogate’s bench contributed to securing the win in the second half:
• 30’ – Front row Percival replaced by Harrison
• 54’ – Scrum half replacement with Wilson off, Horberry on
• 56’ – However, Dobson was replaced by Wilson soon after
• 62’ – Gilmartin replaced by DOR Jake Brady with a run-out post injury
• 72’ – Dalby replaced by Percival

With 5 points secured, little changed in the table as both Alnwick and Heath took the maximums from their games. The upcoming games against Ilkley and Heath could be decisive for the Ace’s 2026 campaign.