Harrogate Ladies 1st XV v Sheffield RUFC Women 1st XV

Harrogate Ladies 1st XV v Sheffield RUFC Women 1st XV 22/10/23

Harrogate Ladies shone in this hard fought match against Sheffield RUFC Women 1st XV. Despite the disappointing result, this match demonstrated the grit and determination of Harrogate, showing once again that they are a team worth watching.

A try from Adoaha Akwiwu within the first five minutes, followed by an impressive conversion from Em Attwood, set Harrogate up well. Strong defensive manoeuvres, including tackles from Hattie Braithwaite, Georgia Briggs and Sarah Foster, kept Sheffield at bay. Although the score by half time was 7-10 to Sheffield, Harrogate kept the pressure on and blocked Sheffield on multiple occasions. Effective passes from Jess Deacy-Clarke and Hattie Braithwaite kept the ball moving incrementally up the pitch, showing again the strength of Harrogate Ladies.

Never ones to allow an easy win, Harrogate continued their hard work into the second half, again blocking the opposition and holding Sheffield back wherever possible. Harrogate’s aptitude for scrums was evident, and they used their skills here to take possession of the ball repeatedly through the second half. This was a tough match but one approached with persistence and spirit by the Harrogate Ladies. Two tries by Georgina Youlden took the final score to 17-35.

The performance of Harrogate when pitted against a well-coordinated and efficient team such as Sheffield RUFC demonstrates the talent within the team, with the fortitude and resolve of Harrogate making this match a nail-biter until the end.

Match report by Zoe Deacy - Clarke
Photos by John Ashton