In the event, Harrogate were under strength in key positions so Rossendale actually secured 2 bonus points in what turned out to be a narrow home win. Harrogate achieved maximum points to keep their promotion hopes alive though there is some uncertainty about how the League programme is going to be completed.

The Harrogate Physio was one of the people missing today but, inspired by her glamorous replacement (Kevin Shattock), Harrogate started strongly. In spite of prop, Connor Ward’s early injury departure, they completely dominated the scrums. 2nd Row, Brandon Hannam had a storming game ably supported by Sam Brady and Tim Heaton. Tom Driscoll, who is a mobile front row forward, was drafted to play in the back row today and had an outstanding game. Prolonged Harrogate opening pressure led to Oli Rosillo coming into the line from full back for the opening try converted by Danny Matthews. The pressure continued and. After 15 minutes’ play, Andy Boyde Boyde crashed over to score and make it 1

Harrogate were completely on top at this stage with backs and forwards interlinking in waves of attacks. Backs, Mason Knowles and Harry Barnard ran strongly but, near half time, Rossendale intercepted an attack and winger, Curtis Strong broke cleanly to score a try converted by Lewis Allen. Harrogate continued to attack and Conor Miller broke clear for a seemingly certain try but was called back for a forward pass. Rossendale secured the scrum ball but Harrogate won a turnover and quick ball led to a Luke Edwards try to make the half time score 17-7.

More Harrogate attacks followed the restart with Hannam, Driscoll and Brady delivering a stream of good ball which led to Knowles and Rosillo attacks. However, it was Rossendale who scored next when the ball was spread right for winger, Tom Waring to score. A trademark Rosillo counter attack led to a strong Barnard run but a knock-on ended the move. Substitute flanker, Jordan Cummings made an instant impact when he came off the bench and scrum half, Phil Wickham sold an outrageous dummy to scamper through for a 22 metres converted try and secure Harrogate’s bonus point. Minutes later, another Wickham dummy sparked a further attack carried on by a powerful Hannam drive. The attack continued, the Rossendale defence went offside but the referee didn’t play advantage to deny Harrogate a probable score.

Two quick scores came at the end of a really good match. Cummings touched down for Harrogate after a 15 metres driving maul to apparently deny Rossendale their bonus point. However, they continued to attack and won a penalty from a Harrogate high tackle. It was quickly taken and veteran No8, Dominic Moon powered over for a converted try to make the final score 29-26.

Harrogate: Rosillo, Barnard, Knowles, Edwards, Miller, Matthews, Wickham, Ward, Larder, Maycock, Brady, Boyde, Hannam, Driscoll, Heaton. Subs:- Martin, Cummings, Jukes

Rossendale: Cave, Strong, Mayor, Bedlow, Waring, L Allen, Whelan, Rylance, T Allen, Flynn, Earnshaw, Asif, Lord, O’Ryan, Moon. Subs:- Taylor, Pope, Bramhall

Referee: Adam Robson (North)

Match report by Bill Barrack