Harrogate’s first match since their March 2020 promotion gave them a reality check of the required standards against one of the strongest National 2 sides. Sedgley’s incisive back play from what was early limited possession was the telling factor in this match.

Harrogate’s line-out stole Sedgley’s first 3 throws and impressive drives from Declan Thompson, Tom Larder and Guy Coser drove holes in the Park defence. The home scrums were also dominant at the start and, when Sedgley’s loose head retired hurt after 10 minutes, things were looking promising for Harrogate.

However, quick hands almost immediately created enough space for right winger Sam Lowthion to score an excellent try. More Harrogate forward domination followed but Park eventually won one of their lines-out and hooker Matt Gallagher drove over to score. The next Park try came from what was a blatant scrum feed, even by today’s standards. The ball was quickly spread to left winger James Harrison for a fine try to make the score 0-15 after 32 minutes. More Harrogate forward drives followed but they lost possession and incisive Park back play led to an Andy Riley try and a
0-20 half time score.

Harrogate’s pack continued to drive strongly from the restart and Guy Coser opened the home account with a try converted by Sam Fox to make it 7-20. However, Park were now winning more possession and, from concerted pressure, Lowthion sped over for his second try. The Sedgley defence contained Harrogate counter attacks and, from a quickly taken penalty, Lowthion completed his hat trick try, converted by Oli Glasse.

Harrogate continued to compete through their forward strength and Larder scored a converted try from a driving maul to make it 14-32. Line-out possession and slick backs play led to Sedgley’s next Harrison converted try. The visitors’ pressure continued and their next converted try came from an astute kick over Harrogate’s goal line scored by Jake Tansey.

Harrogate counter attacked strongly from the restart and replacement scrum-half Kit Keith initiated a flowing backs move and a fine converted try from debutant winger, Jack Haydock. This made it
21-46 but Park had the final say with the last move of the match when an Elliott Crowe try made the final score 21-51

Harrogate
Doherty, Graham, Knowles, Mercer, Haydock, Fox, Matthews, Percival, Larder, Dennis, Brady, Hannam, Dodds, G Coser, Thompson. Subs:- Baxter, Nichols, J Coser, Keith, Cummings

Sedgley Park
A Riley, Lowthion, Glasse, M Riley, Harrison, Collins, Openshaw, Ashcroft, Gallagher, Blanchard, Birtwell, James, Goodman, Lees, Ailes. Subs:- Nomleh, O Crowe, Woolfenden, Tansey, E Crowe

Referee
Callum Watson (RFU)