The game kicked off on time, but after about 5 minutes, and with no scores on the board, their fullback landed badly after stopping a Harrogate line break and the game was stopped to allow medical atttention. He was subsequently checked out at the hospital and I'm pleased to report that he has been given the all-clear. After a break, the game switched on to the first team pitch and got back under way.

The first half was relatively steady away. There was some good play from both sides with Harrogate coming out on top 19-5 through tries from Angus Wilson, Evan Thomas and Conor Miller and 2 conversions from Charlie Hudson.

Ilkley scored straight away from the kick off to bring it to 19-12 and then there was 15 minutes of close fought rugby when it could have gone either way. The tension was lifted when Luke Marfell scored his first try for the Colts, finishing off some good multi phase play. This initiated a period of Harrogate dominance, with another 5 tries being run in the second half, scored by Ben Raubitschek, Luke Marfell again, Evan Thomas (also again), Noah Elberg, and James Young, along with several conversons from Charlie Hudson. The final score was a convincing 57-19.

There was some good rugby from both sides, but in the end Harrogate's fitness and organisation told. Amongst the great all-round performance from the team Sam's pick for man of the match was Evan Thomas, for some particularly good kicks to touch as well as a couple of tries.

The quarter final of the cup is away at Sheffield on Sunday.