West Leeds RUFC 22 – 27 Harrogate Pythons RUFC
Harrogate Pythons visited West Leeds RUFC on 19th August for their first pre season fixture. Although this was a full club fixture The Pythons knew they would be tested against their Yorkshire 1 opposition. The session began with pressure from The Pythons. Will Butler and Will Cudworth lead the initial charge putting the home side under pressure. An attacking 5m line out and close interplay between Butler and Jordan Payne opens the scoring. 0 – 5.
Jon Pickard, Adam Challis and Ed Challis (new in his position of 2nd row) gave nothing in defence. James Audsley-Beck rounds the defence from a break down and supporting Joe Bentham crosses the line. 0 – 10. Will Clough slots over a penalty just before the end of the first quarter 0- 13.
The home side pile on the pressure with some close passing and determined runs and the Challis brothers hold firm. The dominant Pythons pack win ball on the home side’s 22m line and quick hands from Jed Carr and Bentham puts Sam Beagrie in the open only for him to be stripped over the line.
A string of penalties puts West Leeds close to the Python’s line and a well drilled maul carries the ball over. 7-16. In an almost identical play the home side cross the line again 12-16. Clearly confident the home team once again test The Pythons defence with Bentham and Carr solid in mid field. Some quick hands and the home team crossed again 19-16.
Some stern words from Captain Butler and The Pythons get their shape back.
A deliberate knock on robs Audsley-Beck but Liam Kernoghan slots over the penalty 19-19. A penalty for holding on and West Leeds take back the lead 22-19. Debutant Sam Considine breaks through the middle and is pulled down on the home 22 – not releasing the tackled player and Clough levels it 22-22.
With the light fading several phases of recycled ball and Carr makes the break, supported by Beagrie and Considine who puts Cudworth into the corner 22-27 full time.
