In a game of two halves, the visitors were first watching from behind the sticks as a high ball fell into the arms of the hosts full back, who went the full length to score the first seven points.

But, in Harrogate style, they responded with a fierce Alex Wallace hand off, storming play from Rianna Mason and an unstoppable run from Charlotte Warriner supported by Rose Jay to go over the line.

Under cold and wet conditions, play began to become untidy as possession flickered between teams.

Harrogate showed a ferocious defence as they kept the hosts at bay in their 22, including holding up a try but a scrum gave the hosts the platform they needed to cross over and lead 12-5.

Closing the gap before the break, Jay was on fine form once again creating space with Wallace on her shoulder to support and cross the line to trail 12-10.

Back from the break, the visitors wasted no time to grasp a hold of the game with two converted tries.

Tilly Churm broke away with support from Sarah Foster to cross the line, followed by an unstoppable maul setting Freya Wilde up out wide with the Wallace boot giving the visitors an extra four points to lead 24-12.

Harrogate remained calm under Novocastrian pressure with flawless back line attack and dominant tackles.

Not the same could be said for Novo’s as a turnover at the scrum set the backs away once again through the hands of Jay, with Foster finishing up over the try line converted by Wallace for a bonus point 31-17 victory.

Forward of the match was Maisie Barnett, Freya Wilde picked up back of the match while Sarah Foster collected oppositions player of the match.

Next up in league action, Stratstone Stadium hosts a full weekend for the Ladies as the ones welcome top place Cheltenham on Saturday and the twos welcome Workington Ladies on Sunday.