Match report Harrogate ladies v Manchester ladies

Harrogate v Manchester

34 - 00

Harrogate Ladies continued their winning streak this Sunday with an energetic and exciting match against Manchester Ladies.

Although the match started with Manchester making inroads to Harrogate’s half, Harrogate’s defence stood up well to the task. A turn over saw Centre Adaoha Akwiwu break through and with a strong run score the first try of the match. A successful conversion by Em Attwood saw Harrogate take an early lead of 7-0. This energised the Harrogate side who, despite the conditions, were able to get the ball into the wide channels with winger Georgina Youlden taking full advantage and running in three tries in 20 minutes. Another successful conversion from Emily Attwood took the score at half-time to 24-0.

Inclement weather didn’t stop Harrogate starting the second half as strong as they finished the first. After a series of penalties conceded to Harrogate Ladies, Emily Attwood secured from a kick to touch a line out 10m from the Manchester try line. An exciting maul from the forward pack occurred from the line out, with Harrogate gaining significant ground and taking the ball just a metre short from the line. Adaoha Akwiwu quickly dived over the line to claim another try for Harrogate.

This didn’t dampen the spirits of the visiting team, who kept the pressure on Harrogate and forced the Ladies to maintain their strong defence. When the home team found themselves down to just 14 players for a 10 minute period, due to a yellow card, Harrogate managed this time well and denied several attacks from Manchester. When they were able to return to a full complement of players, Harrogate picked back up and finished the match strongly, with a fourth try from Georgina Youlden.

Of particular note were performances from Back of the Match: Georgina Youlden, Forward of the Match: Amber Perry-Jordan and Opposition player of the Match: Harriet Braithwaite.

Harrogate Ladies were able to put in an impressive performance despite the tough conditions, setting themselves up once again for an exciting rest of the season. The team are at home again next weekend (19/11/23) as they welcome Southport over to the Apollo Stadium, Rudding Lane for a 2.00pm kick-off.