Their early scrum dominance seemed to indicate another win but the game became more open. This made it a great spectacle but it also suited the talented Billingham backs, skilfully orchestrated by their stand-off, Pete Evans

Tight head prop, Connor Ward made a very welcome return to Harrogate and linked up well with front row colleagues Dom Musetti and Steve Maycock. Powerful Harrogate scrummaging led to Billingham conceding early penalties and Harrogate set up a driving maul from an attacking line-out. Billingham were again penalised for coming in at the side and another driving maul took the ball over the line but it was held up. Quick ball from the ensuing scrum led to Oli Rossillo dancing over for the opening score. Billingham soon drew level by counter attacking from a Harrogate clearance kick. Full back, Elliott Husband fielded it from deep to set up an attack and he also made the extra man at the end of the move to score in the corner.

Further Harrogate attacks followed but Billingham’s defence kept them out and, when Harrogate were penalised, a huge Evans kick gave them an attacking line-out. However, Martin Dodds stole the ball and Harrogate cleared. Harrogate then won what seemed to be a great turnover but they were penalised and Evan’s kick put Billingham 5-8 ahead.

Another Dodds line-out steal led to Harrogate’s next try from rampaging Sam Brady and David Doherty’s conversion made it 12-8. Brady’s 2nd row partner, Brandon Hannam featured strongly in defence and attack and, In the last move of the half, a thunderous Tim Heaton tackle forced Billingham to knock on. Billingham’s scrum was again penalised and Harrogate cleared.

More Billingham attacks opened the second half, Harrogate were penalised at a scrum and conceded a further 10 metres for verbals. The next significant penalty was conceded by Billingham when they went offside after a Merc Mercer midfield break. However, Billingham regained possession and another astute Evans kick led to a try from Martin Hopley.

Both sets of defences were fully tested for the remainder of the match and, although no more tries were scored, it was hugely entertaining, high quality rugby. Evans kicked another penalty when Harrogate’s defence went offside and, shortly afterwards, dropped a goal to put the final nail in Harrogate’s coffin. With minutes remaining, Harrogate’s substitute winger, Luke Edwards was red carded.

Harrogate: Doherty, Rosillo, Knowles, Mercer, Parry, Matthews, Wickham, Musetti, Maycock, Ward, Brady, Hannam, Coser, Dodds, Heaton. Subs:- Driscoll, Tasker, Edwards

Billingham: Husband, Ross, J Evans, Wilson, Kirby, P Evans, Foley, Sunley, Foulds, Clark, McAlorum, Whinn, Burns, Myers, Jackson. Subs:- Spoors, Walton, Hopley

Referee: Gavin Jones (North)

Match report by Bill Barrack