Leodiensians 3rdXV 12 - 47 Harrogate 3rdXV

From the kick-off Harrogate kept true to their philosophy and spun the ball wide to dangerous running centres, skipper James Tapster and Fijian flyer Mali who crossed for spectacular scores.

The forwards continued to build the platform up front led by Kevin Shattock and Tom Cliffe and following excellent build-up work by Sam Croft, influential prop Will Ellis burrowed over for a popular score.

With the pack providing excellent possession and the distribution of young half-backs George Ellis and Ollie Myers - plenty of opportunities were created for the eager backline. Wing Alex Savage enjoyed the space, scoring a brace of excellent tries, the last of which included a spectacular exhibition of handling skills by both Backs and Forwards alike.

Harrogate Director of Rugby, Mike Aspinall commented “The newly formed Third XV have been a breath of fresh air this year to the club and provides a clear pathway from the successful junior section to senior rugby”, he continued, “with successes over Morley and now Old Leos in recent weeks, I’m really excited at the progress made in such an incredibly short space of time”.

Report by Kevin Ellis