Saturday 3 September 2022
Harrogate’s first game of the 2022-2023 season, with a squad that included 9 debutants, was a tough away fixture against one of the pre-season favourites to gain promotion from the re-vamped National League Division 2 North.
Prior to the game, an impeccable minute’s silence was held in memory of Bill Barrack, our late President. Thanks to both teams, Rotherham Titans and all supporters!
Unfortunately, Rotherham then dominated play in the first half, scoring 6 tries through Richard Hayes (2), Jack Taylor, Jack Hedley, Gareth Denman and Zak Poole. Richard Hayes converted 5 and kicked 2 penalties. Harrogate’s sole response was a penalty from Rory MacNab.
Harrogate came out much improved after the break. Although Rotherham scored a converted try through Louis Inman, Harrogate responded with a first try for the Club by Jacob Garrett following a catch and drive from a lineout. Not long after followed Harrogate’s best try of the game – a break in midfield and at least a half pitch run saw Tom Steene touch down, with Rory MacNab converting.
Rotherham responded with further tries from Sam Boxhall and Kai Ramrattan, both converted by Richard Hayes.
Although beaten, Harrogate’s second half performance gives confidence to be taken into next Saturday’s match at home to Wharfedale, kick off 3pm.
Teams
Rotherham Titans: Yeall, Hedley, Hayes, Dunne, Taylor, Ollivent, Boxhall, Capps, Bergmanas, Denman, Poole (capt), Nwoshu-Hope, Kay, Wilson, Bustin. Subs: Inman, Stout, Rylance, Allan, Ramrattan.
Harrogate RUFC: MacNab, Pearson, Kennell, Cummins, Yates, Steene, Ibbotson, Elsayed, Garrett, Baxter, Phipps, Brady (capt), Breen, Hill, Spencer-Jones. Subs: Derbyshire, Jones, Booth, Raubitschek, Fox.
Referee: Matthew Sharpe (RFU)
Tim Thorley
Harrogate RUFC
4 September 2022
