Harrogate were missing a few key players due to Yorkshire and other commitments or injuries and took to the field with the air of a beaten side.

Ionians were also missing a number of their best players. The home side took advantage from the start as the visitors committed the cardinal sins of losing their own scrums near their line, missing tackles, handling poorly and generally giving Ionians too much space and time.

A few players stood up to the challenge but overall it was a deeply disappointing performance as the home team ran in victors by 36 - 0.

From Harrogate's point of view there were few positives although George Wilton, Will Ellis, Harry Wetherald and Matt Wood showed commendable spirit in difficult circumstances.

Olly Austin Wright, who normally plays at hooker, clearly enjoyed the opportunity to play a more flamboyant game at centre.