Harrogate Pythons were once again plagued by availability issues as they faced 5th placed Beverley for their home fixture. Experienced Matt Leach came out of retirement with youngster Mattie Tuff making his 1st XV debut at loose head prop and Ollie Macnab making his club debut at 10.
The Pythons started the game on the offensive winning a penalty on the away 22 within 2minutes, Ben Pryor is successful, 3-0. Beverley responded with intent piling the pressure on with intent. But, The Pythons defence held solid with Jack Thompson-Hall and Rufus Palfreman making huge tackles. Beverley try field position and get a line out on the home 5m line. Hugh Tatlow steals the ball and The Pythons clear their lines though debutant Macnab. A kick ahead from Pryor bounces close to the Beverley line, Harry Brayshaw wins the race to the ball but is deemed to have knocked the ball forwards giving Beverley chance clear their lines following a scrum penalty. Beverley gain a shot at goal, 3-3 after 20 minutes.
Quickly back into the Beverley 22, Macnab takes a quick penalty, feeds Brayshaw to round the defence to score under the posts against a flat footed Beverley defence. Pryor with the extras, 10-3. Beverley tie the score, half time 10-10.
Andy Mackay controls the phase play close to the Beverley line. Luke Price-Gerrard, George Booth and Palfreman are all stopped inches short. Thompson-Hall spots the narrowest of gaps and burrows over the line, Pryor again with the extras, 17-10. Pryor adds a penalty, 20-10 with 10minutes remaining. The Pythons begin a period of defence with Thompson-Hall taking his tackle count beyond 20. Tatlow leads his forwards to hold their line, a knock on gives Beverley a scrum 5m out. The scrum collapses only for the referee to award a penalty try, 20-17. The Pythons control the remaining 2 minutes for a superb win 20 – 17.
After the game coach John Liley said, “Harrogate Pythons put in another comprehensive performance to record an important victory against fellow middle table opposition Beverley.
With more enforced changes to the line up, all 18 players on the squad contributed to a composed and determined performance. A much needed defensive performance was required as well as clinical finishing to enable the Pythons to lead for much of the game. Our press in defence forced errors on the opposition play and our clinical finishing meant our efforts in attack were duly rewarded. This performance, added to the two previous weeks displays, keeps us on track to a top 6 finish to the season.”
The Pythons travel to South Yorkshire to face Wath this coming Saturday.
