Harrogate Ladies 2nd XV take first ever league win against Oldham on Sunday

Harrogate RUFC made history as two victorious ladies sides stepped out to play league fixtures at the Statstone stadium.

Harrogate 2nd XV were in search of their first league victory, having joined Women’s NC North West this season after a great year of recruitment, friendlies and a first league loss at Littleborough the week before.

The game kept its promise as a physical battle as the hosts sat strong in their 22 for the first fifteen minutes, before conceding an unconverted try out wide, after a relentless display of defence.

Along with the fierce defensive demand, Harrogate Ladies provided a force to be reckoned with in attack putting Oldham under pressure at every opportunity. Great lines from Evie Hancox, Helena Dudhill and support play from Ellen Armstrong sent the backs through the line on more than one occasion.

In quick reply to their conceded five points, Harrogate earned a deserved five points in the form of full-back, Dudhill out wide.

In spite of a couple of held up tries, the hosts held strong to enter the break, stuck in a 5-5 stale-mate.

Returning to the field after the interval, the physicality continued as the forward pack worked hard to keep the visitors at bay. There was noticeable attacking pod work from Kirstie Plummer and Sammie Wilcox and quick thinking from Ruth Fewster- Neale.

Playing quick ball, they worked hard to create space and opportunity Harrogate soon saw Dudhill over for a second try, putting her team in the lead 10-5.

Many scrums, tackles, and breaks later, Clarissa Murphy crossed the white wash after the backs linked up through Hancox and Sarah Pritchard to play the ball fast and wide.

Despite a late attack from Oldham, the hosts remained defensively strong and left the field with a well earned 15-5 victory.

After great performances, Helena Dudhill, Ruth Fewster-Neale and Clarissa Murphy picked up player of the match performances.