Carlisle took an early lead through a Jason Israel penalty goal and, with 20 minutes gone, they were 3-13 ahead, The resolute Harrogate defence together with brilliant finishing from winger, Harry Jukes was the key difference between the sides.

Carlisle pressure forced a Harrogate offside offence for the first score and this was quickly followed by another to make it 0-6 with less than 10 minutes on the clock. Stung by this, Harrogate mounted creative handling attacks in spite of the exceptionally heavy conditions. Prop, Steve Maycock had an outstanding game in tight and open play with dynamic support from flanker, Hugo Tasker. Incisive centre play from Merc Mercer created space for Harrogate utilise the back three firepower from Doc Doherty, Olly Rosillo and Jukes. Midway through the half, Carlisle’s defence went offside and Doherty’s penalty opened Harrogate’s account. However, this was almost immediately followed by a Harrogate clearance being charged down and powerful Carlisle 2nd Row, James Brocket burst through for a converted try to make it 3-13.

Maycock then broke strongly from a Harrogate drive, Mercer’s run made decisive inroads and the ball was spread left to Jukes whose pace and strength took him clear for a 35 metres try. More home pressure followed with Harrogate’s front five becoming more dominant, forcing Carlisle to go offside. Doherty’s kick hit the upright and Carlisle were temporarily relieved. Another strong Brocket run opened a Carlisle counter attack but the move ended with a knock on and, from good scrum ball, Harrogate spread the ball left for another outstanding Jukes try---only 20 metres this time!!. This made it 13-13 at half time

After the interval, a Doherty break from defence was well supported by prop Andy Boyde but the move ended with a knock-on. However, the home pressure continued forcing Carlisle to go offside and the penalty led to a home attacking line-out. Carlisle’s Matt Shields was then yellow carded for “taking his man out” and another penalty led to another attacking line-out. A text book peel at the front saw Maycock drive strongly to create a gap for hooker Aarin Yorke to score in the corner and put Harrogate 18-13 ahead.

Carlisle attacks continued to test the home defence which held firm under the pressure until they went offside. In both this season’s games against Harrogate, Carlisle’s Israel has a 100% kicking was created from and this one made the score 18-16 with 20 minutes remaining. Further Carlisle attacks were becoming still more effectively contained and the Harrogate scrummaging pressure was increasing. Good ball was created from an attacking scrum and Maycock drove over to cap a fine performance with the bonus point winning try.

Harrogate: Doherty, Rosillo, Knowles, Mercer, Jukes, Yates, Matthews, Boyde, Yorke, Maycock, Hannam, Brady, Coser, Tasker, Heaton. Subs:- Martin, Larder, Parry

Carlisle: M Connon, Harper, Holmes, Israel, Purdham, G Connon, Telford, Fulton, Graham, Shields, Brocket, Parish, Percival, Wainwright, Naude. Subs:- Seward, Lindsay, Benson.

Referee: Michael Hurdley

Match report by Bill Barrack