It was a bright and energetic start for Stocksbridge, enjoying the majority of possession inside the Harrogate half during the first 15 minutes. Strong carries from the Brown brothers, Ben Brown from number 8 and David Brown in the centres, provided the front foot ball need to put pressure on the home side. Eventually the pressure led to points as Scott Bowskill kicked them three ahead after Harrogate were penalised by the referee.

It would be a Stocksbridge mistake the would lead to Harrogate’s first score. Still in the opposition 22, a penalty was conceded and Harrogate reacted quickest with a quick tap and the agile full back was able to break away to score.

Stocksbridge had the opportunity to get within a point before the break with another kick at goal, however a missed effort meant the scores would remain 7-3 at half time.

A game firmly of two halves, Harrogate were able to keep Stocksbridge camped deep in their own half after the break, piling on the pressure. Ill discipline during the half meant that Stocksbridge had a player sin binned on two occasions for a no-arms-tackle. The two decisive tries that took the game away from Stocksbridge were scored during this time, the first coming from broken play after a loose clearance kick, and the second as the scrum was driven over the line with Joe Smith in the bin.

Stocksbridge rounded off an admirable performance with a drive up the field searching for a score on the last play, despite the result beyond doubt. A destructive fend from Smith broke the defensive line and Joe Jones was put in for a certain try only for the referee to rule it out for a forward pass.

The man of the match went to Ben Brown (sponsored by Sid’s Fish Bar), excelling at his return to number 8 with great carries with ball in hand consistently getting across the gain line. A special mention must go to the club captain Pete Newton, making an appearance for the final 20 minutes having flown back from New York the same afternoon.