Match Report: Harrogate 29-35 Wharfedale

John Uttley has been reporting for the Yorkshire Times, part of the p.ublished group of online newspapers, on his local club, Wharfedale RUFC.

The scene was set for an excellent day of running rugby at the Apollo Capital Stadium at Harrogate, skies were clear and no rain, we were not disappointed as the match shared nine tries.

In the early exchanges Harrogate were seeing plenty of possession and from repeated drives at the Wharfedale line were held up and penalty was awarded to Harrogate which Thomas Steen converted, score 3-0.

From the kick off Harrogate attempted a kick into the breeze which was collected by Rian Hamilton who sped down the wing, passed inside to Sam Gaudie who scored a try which he converted, score 3-7.

Harrogate were now seeing plenty of ball and starting to punch holes in the Wharfedale defence and from one such attack, Conor Miller scored a try which was converted by Thomas Steen, score 10-7.

A fantastic break by Brad Viner down the left flank resulted in Wharfedale camping on the Harrogate line and Jake Armstrong eventually awarded the try which was converted by Sam Gaudie, score 10-14.

Wharfedale were penalized at a scrum for not using the ball and resulting from this infringement Harrogate were able to set up an onslaught on the Wharfedale line and eventually score a try out wide on the right through Sean Triana which Thomas Steen converted, half time score 17-14.

The Wharfedale boys obviously had a good team talk at half time as their work rate and possession improved immensely resulting in some fast, exciting interplay between forwards and backs for Oliver Cicognini to score under the posts which Sam Gaudie converted, score 17-21.

A wonderful clearance by Oliver Riddiough from a tight angle down the line set up an attacking position from which Jack Pinder crashed over the line and Sam Gaudie converted, score 17-28.

The hammer blow for Harrogate came in the 66 minute when Rian Hamilton intercepted a pass and Sam Gaudie was on his shoulder to finish off under the posts for a try and conversion, score 17-35.

Harrogate responded in the last 10 minutes scoring two tries through Jacob Percival and Sean Triana which Kodie Brook converted one making the score 29-35.

There were a few nervous Wharfedale supporters on the touchline but the Green Machine defended stoutly for their second 5 point win of the season.

There were two contenders for man of the match, Sam Gaudie for his all round performance and brace of tries but Oliver Cicognini just edged it with his leadership of the backs and his fine try.

Wharfedale: – 1. S Dickinson, 2. B Patchett (R Collinson 76), 3. J Armstrong, 4. S Borrill, 5. G Hedgley, 6. J Pinder, 7. J Fawcett, 8. B Markey (A Weston 59), 9. S Gaudie, 10. R Davidson (O Riddiough 56), 11. B Viner, 12. O Cicognini (B Markey 66), 13. R Hodgson, 14. R Hamilton, 15. H Bullough.

Replacements not used: – J Hirst and W Beecroft.