Harrogate Colts 13 - Sheffield Tigers 10

Harrogate faced a difficult encounter in this first round of the Yorkshire Cup against a very powerful Sheffield side who used their physical advantage in the early minutes of the game to gain field position, but resolute defence by the home side prevented any score. The first Sheffield try came from an opportunist play when a line out throw missed the main jumpers and fell into the hands of the visitors' flanker who drove over from short range.
Although at a physical disadvantage, Harrogate forwards began to dominate set piece play, especially the line out and as a result Sheffield changed tactics and played a more expansive game. The faster Harrogate backs not only stopped all attacks but were able to turn defence into attack and only infringements prevented a Harrogate score, and from the resultant penalty Joe Rowntree cut the deficit to 3-5.
The second half saw Harrogate forwards make several drives using a rolling maul which dragged in defenders and created the space for Luke Edwards to run at the visitors back line, chipping the ball at the last moment for Noel Minikin to collect and cross the line. As Harrogate became more confident their attacks became more frequent and Luke Roberts used his pace and strength to break from his own half and as the last gasp tackle halted his progress he offloaded a pass inside to Kieron Flemming who kicked the ball and then collected to score, 13-5.
Late in the match Sheffield returned to the powerful forward play to rumble up the pitch and after keeping the ball alive through eight phases they finally scored to make the final score13-10.
Whilst Luke Roberts clearly deserved man of the match for his impressive defence and exciting attacks, special mention should be made of the Harrogate front row of Hicks, Stocks-Fryer and Dunlop who because of injuries were forced into playing in unfamiliar positions and were at the centre of such an impressive forward display against bigger and more experienced opposition.