Harrogate Ladies continue winning spree over visiting West Bridgford

After 4 big wins in the league the first 15 minutes against an extremely solid defensive team unsettled the home side, causing their structure in attack to be thrown off initially.

However, Captain Rose Jay scored the first in a display of footwork which left the well drilled West Bridgford defence stumped. The try arrived after Harrogate patiently played the phases allowing their forwards to hammer through the hard defensive line.

Fullback Lauren Bolger converted to kick off the score at 7-0 to the home side.

West Bridgford were running hard lines in attack and offloading successfully ensuring the Harrogate defence were on form. The backs were having to hit the forward runners hard too due to the visitor’s pace and movement, with huge tackles made by the centres Sarah Foster and Evie Jackson.

22 minutes in prop Imari Epps dragged the West Bridgford front row down a foot away from the try line. Epps ensures the ball made it safely to hooker, Maisie Barnett who clambered over a mountain of bodies to score under the posts. Bolger kicked over the extra 2 points and it was 14-0 to Harrogate.

Just 2 minutes later, in immediate response to the West Bridgford kick off Bolger scored her first try of the match as she made a run from round the back. The fullback converted once again.

This was the last try the visitor’s allowed their opposition to score before the interval making Harrogate work hard in both attack and defence. Number 8, Ellie Ward made a series of strong runs alongside second row, Annie Lyles but the defence made sure Harrogate were always stopped short of the try line.

After the interval, Lizzy Mason managed to put the first points past West Bridgford as she forced her way over the try line after fierce Harrogate pressure upfront. The score was 26-0 at 46 minutes.

The defensive pressure continued as Jackson turned over a ruck and won the ball before offloading to prop Achele Agada who backed herself and ran through the remaining defence to score. Bolger added the extras to make the score 33-0.

Although Harrogate were looking dominant West Bridgford were tough opposition and the scrums were causing them problems at times.

After some messy play, no doubt due to the weather conditions Harrogate managed to keep hold of the ball long enough for Bolger to run around the outside and score a second.

The last try of the match was scored by second row, Charlotte Warriner who fell off the 5 m scrum and over the opposition try line.

Harrogate Ladies’ next league game is on November 4th where they will play Sefton away. Their next home game however is on Saturday November 17th and will be played at The Stratstone Stadium alongside the men’s first team match.