The colts are looking forward to a good year, as most of last year's players have returned and a healthy number have joined from the year below. After struggling for numbers all last season, we actually had to make a squad selection for the first game of the season! We also have a new head coach in Sam Fox, who has been taking the team for pre-season training and will stay with them throughout the season.

In a change of format, the early rounds of the Yorkshire Cup are at the start of the season, so the first match for the new team was Round 1 of the Cup away at Middlesbrough.

As always, Middlesbrough were welcoming hosts and the match was played in good spirits. After 15 minutes of back and forth play a Harry Yates kick was fumbled by Boro and Conor Miller was quickly on to it to score from close range. The conversion was kicked by Charlie Hudson.

Another 15 minutes resulted in a penalty to Harrogate, that was quickly tapped by Ben Raubitschek, and passed to Kevin Williams, who drove through the Middlesborough defence to score. Once again, Charlie Hudson claimed the 2 points.

Immediately after that Conor Miller scored again through some quick play. Another Charlie Hudson conversion took the score to 21-0 for half time.

After the break, Boro came back more strongly to score two unconverted tries, before Harrogate kicked a penalty to restore a 14 point lead. Boro scored again before the end, but couldn't overcome the first half lead. The final score was Harrogate 24 - Middlesborugh 15.

Amongst the overall strong display, there were particularly noteworthy performances from Harry Yates, Conor Miller and man of the match, Tom Sharp.

It was a pleasing display for the first game of the season, and there is lots of potential for more success ahead. The next challenge is round 2 of the cup, away at Ilkley on Sunday.