Pythons deserve win at West Leeds
Harrogate Pythons travelled to a sunny West Leeds to play their rearranged fixture from 2 weeks ago. With a much better availability The Pythons were looking to reverse recent results.
The Pythons had all the pressure in the early stages of the game with Jack Whiting and debutant Harry Butler putting some huge hits in mid field. Ryan Gilfrin steals a line out on halfway and George Booth continues the drive through mid field. Some desperate defending by the home team rewards them with a goal line drop out. Hugh Tatlow carries the ball over half way to release the supporting Saul Adshead who runs in from the 22. Ben Pryor adds the conversion, 0-7.
The Pythons are quickly back on the offence. Nick Bell follows his own kick to bring down the home full back on his 5m line. A scrum is opted for the defensive penalty and a knock on enables Leeds to clear their lines. Some quick thinking by Max Sharp on half way as he intercepts a Leeds pass, he feeds Adshead who releases Hugh Tatlow on the 10m line to step through the defence to score next to the posts. Pryor once again with the extras, 0-14. The Pythons continue to create chances but the score remains the same. Half time.
The Pythons receive a second yellow card as the second half begin and the home side take advantage of a 13 man opposition. The inevitable overlaps lead to three home tries taking the score to 19-14. Back to full strength The Pythons Jack Thompson-Hall and Adshead dominate the next phases with some challenging runs. Natsuki Barclay, on debut, release Harry Brayshaw who rounds the opposition at pace only to pulled down on half way. Leeds give a penalty away and Sharp drills the ball to half way. Tatlow wins the line out and the resulting drive takes play in the home 22. Barclay floats a perfectly weighted pass to Marcus Fotherby who is stopped inches short. Booth charges forward but again is halted just short. The ever alert Thompson-Hall spots an opening and burrows through to score, 19-19.
West Leeds persist in giving away penalties as The Pythons get closer. Finally Pryor is in range, 19-22 with minutes left. Once again the home defence gives away a penalty and a yellow card close to their line as Barclay and Whiting link well together. Step up Pryor, 19-22. West Leeds throw everything into the remaining few minutes. Superb tackling from the whole Pythons defensive line leads to some frustration in the home forwards on the Pythons’ line. Sharp takes the penalty and kicks the ball dead, full time.
After the game coach Mackay said, ” With 11 changes including 2 debuts Pythons travelled to West Leeds with every point vital as we near the final third of the season.
The players responded in a very positive way with a solid defence and set piece in the first half scoring two good converted tries. However our penalty count mounted to the point of two yellow cards within a few minutes. Leeds capitalised and went into the lead 19-14. However the boys showed real never say die attitude wrestling control back with another try and two penalties to run out winners and a vital 4points.
Massive credit to the whole squad for the response to the previous week. However we must retain the ball in contact much better be it in support or carrying.”
This Saturday The Pythons host Pocklington, kick off 2.15pm.
