First competative challenge

Although the result was not important it was nice to finish the game ahead of our local rivals and current county champions Ripon. The rivally between the two clubs goes back to the U7 season back in 2003 when Ian Hassel brought his young charges to Claro road for the first time.

The two teams have, since that time, enjoyed a number of closely fought matches and have benefitted from the mutual respect the two teams have. Between the clubs they have won the Yorkshire Cup 3 out of the past four years (sharing it once) and are two of the top teams in Yorkshire.

Sunday's game provided a first competative run out for both teams and both coaching staff used the four 20min sessions to see how their respective squads performance.

Harrogate's two mixed ability packs of fowards proved the more dominate throughout the game winning possession from the Scrum consistently and, for once, out Rucking Ripon. The better body position of the ball carrier and the waves of support enabled the Harrogate Backs to run onto the ball at pace, giving them the edge needed against the top quality Ripon back line.

Elliot Bloodworth's 'Maori sidestep' was put to good use on many runs and new centre Sam Cross fitted into the back division well. Newly selected North Yorkshire Scrum Half, Tom Mitchell, was placed under a great deal of pressure in the first 20min but the Harrogate Pack improved their work rate as the game progressed to enable the team to attack better. Significant forward contributions came from Culunn Troy, Scott Irvine, Lawrence Hargreaves, another new signing this year, Josh Smith and Bevan Rainford, who was enjoying his role in the front row.

Luke Gair, in a personal match up with one of the top wingers in Yorkshire, scored the first try after quick possession was produced by the rampaging forwards. Quick passing down the line and a timely pass from Bloodworth put Gair free and a stutter step later he left his winger grasping air. Alistair Cameron-Jones, not to be outdone, was proving an elusive handful on the other wing as he cut through the Ripon defence making ground on a number of occasions. Although unlucky not to score his runs drue the defence over to his side giving Gair more room to go in for his second try.

Running the changes the game settled down to general stalemate as Harrogate maintained dominance but they could not break through again. Brad Thompson, Sam Mitchell, Rory Cardwell and Max Vaux kept the pressure on throughout the middle period of the game as both sides struggled to control the game. Two late tries would have made the game all square but for the buldozine run from George Whiteoak who drove over from short range knocking Ripon players out of the way as he scored his try.

As if to cement the dominance of the forward play a 35m close driving play from the Gate pack took the heart out of the Ripon players who seemed unable to stop the drive and if handling skills had not emerged another try would have been the final result.

Attention now switches to Middlesborough who visit Claro road next Sunday where the coaches will look to build on the seasons first performance.