Match report Crewe & Nantwich v Harrogate

After weeks of postponed matches Harrogate made their way over the Pennines to play Crewe and Nantwich Women. The sunny weather set the tone for the day and the team was excited to finally play after a long and wet winter.

Crewe & Nantwich got the match underway, playing with the breeze in the first half. A clean catch saw Harrogate exit their half and retain possession for multiple phases, gaining territory and spending considerable time in the opponents 22. A strong defence from Crewe & Nantwich kept Harrogate at bay, until the 10th minute when the ball was moved wide toward the left-hand side of the pitch where Amy Rees went over to open Harrogate's account. With the conversion just falling short Harrogate took the lead and began to settle into their game. Dogged defence continued from Crewe & Nantwich which kept Harrogate from scoring for a further 10 minutes despite all the play being in their own 22. On the 24 minute mark, fullback Georgia Briggs cut a great line leading to an impressive score. Harrogate scored again from the resulting restart with Captain Charlie Goode making a great run, which put the visitors 0-17 ahead. Crewe rallied well and managed to turnover the Harrogate ball and have some possession in Harrogate's 22 with them putting some nice phases of play together. Crewe were rewarded with their endeavours going over in the corner (5-17). With only a few minutes left until half time Harrogate looked to secure the try bonus point but Crewe's defence held firm and Harrogate conceded a penalty. Crewe cleared their lines and kicked to touch. From the resulting lineout a chance intercept by Harrogate saw Amy Rees power over for her 2nd try of the afternoon. Crewe rallied and with some offloading out of contact went over on the break of half time, score (12-24).

Half time gave Harrogate time to regroup and continue a dominant display of rugby upon the recommencement of the match. Ella Daniels grabbed her first senior try for Harrogate going over in the 43rd minute. Further try's from Braithwaite, Akwiwu, and Coleman saw Harrogate pull away to a 12-48 lead with 14 minutes left to play. Crewe were determined to get something from the afternoon and after scoring a third try the pressure was on for them to secure a try bonus point. Harrogate grabbed their 9th try through Adoaha Akwiwu on 73 minutes. The successful conversion by Emily Attwood took the score to 19-55 however the game was not over. With a try bonus point up for grabs Crewe threw everything at Harrogate. The players stepped up to the challenge and kept driving back wave after wave of Crewe's attack. Following a turnover, Harrogate cleared their lines to hear the referee blow for the end of the game, the relief and jubilation clearly evident from the Harrogate players.

Of particular note were performances from Forward of the Match Amy Rees, Back of the Match, Harriet Braithwaite, and Opposition Player of the Match, Rebecca Reeve-Burnet. First cap appearance was awarded to Lucy Rees.

With the Easter weekend off, Harrogate look forward to their first home game of 2024 on Sunday 7th April, when they will welcome Driffield to the Apollo Stadium.