In extremely muddy conditions, both teams competed strongly though it was sometimes difficult to differentiate which side was which towards the end. Bournville’s sound tactical game was probably the difference between the two sides and they had the games’s outstanding player in centre, Ma’asi Reikiti who has recently played at higher levels.

Harrogate took an early lead from a Kit Keith penalty after Bournville went offside in defence. The conditions determined that there were frequent turnovers from driving mauls but the Harrogate scrum had the edge at this stage. The game’s first try came from Bournville N08 Callum Thompson after a forward drive and Mitch McGahan converted. Both packs continued to test each other’s defences with Martin Dodds, Sam Brady and the Coser twins outstanding for Harrogate.

The next converted try came from Bournville centre Ed Drake-Lee after a well worked move from line-out ball but Harrogate narrowed the gap with a Guy Coser converted try to make it 10-14 at the break.

From the restart it became more and more a forward battle as the conditions worsened. Harrogate gained a successful turnover but loose ball was seized upon by Bournville winger for Tom Burrows who sprinted clear for another converted try. It was then Harrogate’s turn to score from turnover ball and this time it was hooker Jake Percival who showed surprising speed in shaking off attackers to score an under the posts converted try.

This made the score 17-21 and Harrogate strived to exert pressure but they were penalised in defence and McGahan’s kick extended Bournville’s lead. In the final moves of the match, Harrogate mounted more and more pressure well into injury time but had to settle for a losing bonus point. Referee Carl Adams managed the game extremely well in difficult conditions

Match details

Match date

Sat 08 Jan 2022

Kickoff

14:00

Competition

RFU National League 2 North

League position

Bournville

Harrogate

Team overview

Team Sponsors

Board Sponsor - Yorkshire Agricultural Society