The first half was littered with some of the same errors we produced in the first two fixtures, only Preston were clinical in punishing us for them and putting points on the board.

After conceding 6 tries in the first period, the second half task was to produce a much better performance. Although Preston had likely already won, they still defended passionately. However, we held onto the ball much better and applied pressure. This resulted in 3 yellow cards and 4 tries. Not enough to get us back in a position to win the game, but enough to take a losing bonus point.

We have another great challenge next week against Hull Ionians, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the players react.

— Jake Brady, Director of Rugby

How the scoring went (scores in brackets are Harrogate first)

Freeman kicked a penalty in the 4th minute (0-3). Richardson dotted down for Preston Grasshoppers' opening try in the 8th minute (0-8). Freeman converted. Jennings finished off Preston Grasshoppers' second try in the 12th minute (0-15). Freeman converted. Amrit Sharma went over for Harrogate's opening try in the 16th minute (5-17). Jack Mallinson couldn't add the conversion. Jennings crossed for Preston Grasshoppers' third try in the 21st minute (5-22). Freeman converted. Richardson went over for Preston Grasshoppers' fourth try in the 31st minute (5-29). Freeman converted. Browne touched down for Preston Grasshoppers' fifth try in the 36th minute (5-36). Freeman converted. Jennings scored Preston Grasshoppers' sixth try in the 39th minute (5-43). Freeman converted. The Aces trailed 5-45 at the break. Greg Minikin touched down for Harrogate's second try in the 42nd minute (10-45). Jack Mallinson added the extras. Tom Steene scored Harrogate's third try in the 47th minute (17-45). Jack Mallinson added the extras. Matt Leatham dotted down for Harrogate's fourth try in the 54th minute (24-45). Jack Mallinson added the extras. Ailes dotted down for Preston Grasshoppers' seventh try in the 67th minute (26-50). Ree converted. Sam Gott finished off Harrogate's fifth try in the 76th minute (31-52). Tom Steene added the extras.

Harrogate scorers – Tries: Amrit Sharma, Greg Minikin, Tom Steene, Matt Leatham, Sam Gott; Conversions: Jack Mallinson (3), Tom Steene.

The Aces are next in action at home to Hull Ionians on Saturday 26 September.