Pythons make positive start at Leos
Harrogate Pythons travelled to North Leeds to start their 24/25 season. With a new coaching set up, coordinated by Roy MacKay with Tom Baxter, John Liley and Harry Parrish, expectations were high to reverse the narrow defeats against Leos last season.
The Pythons began with intent, Luke Korba and Jack Whiting, both on debut, carrying hard with Eddie Wilkinson supporting the drives well. Leos are frustrated in defence giving an off side penalty and Jed Carr opens his account, 0-3 on 5 mins.
The Pythons pressure continues. Leos opt to kick for ground but miss touch. Carr gathers the ball and carries to half way. Jackson Hobson, also on debut, feeds Whiting who releases Hugh Tatlow on half way carrying into the Leos 22 with an outrageous dummy on the way. Tatlow passes to Whiting who steps the full back to score under the posts – having started the move. Carr with the extras, 0-10. Unfortunately Whiting takes no more part in the game through injury.
Leos kick a penalty leading to half time, 3-10.
The home team begin to gain ground with some controlled line out work and force The Pythons to concede a penalty, 6-10. But, undeterred The Pythons work in the home 22 gained them 2 more Carr penalties 6-16.
The Leos creative number 10 gathers a high ball in space and weaves through towards The Pythons line. Stripped of the ball as he crosses the line the unsighted referee awards the try, 13-16 with 10 minutes remaining. Carr takes the score to 13-19 and Leos begin to use their lineout close to The Pythons line. The defence holds well, Jack Hall getting himself under the ball in goal gives The Pythons chance to clear their lines. The home side come back with another line out on the 5m line, The Pythons steal the ball and bundle the maul into touch. Full time.
After the game, Coach John Liley said,” It is fantastic to get the Pythons positive start with a victory. This was reward for the hard work the squad has done through the pre-season. We had to dig deep at times and absorb huge amounts of pressure, but we ran out deserved winners. Credit must also go to the lads called up to the 1st XV, for stepping up to the plate and delivering.”
The Pythons next game is at The Jim Saynor ground against Old Rishworthian, kick off 3pm.
