Harrogate Pirates 32-12 Wetherby Crusaders

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A tough game was played at claro road against a strong Harrogate Pirates team. The first 15 minutes belonged to the home side and they put the Crusaders under some severe pressure which led to their first try. With the bit between our teeth we responded immediately from the restart and some great forward pressure led to Rory Ffoulkes scoring in the corner after a terrific run slipping several tackles on his way over the line. Young Matty Finch was unable to convert this time, but this now set the tone for the first half. We were rampant in the forwards and we were driving Harrogate off their own scrums at nearly every opportunity.

Unfortunately Harrogate managed to force an error and they capitalised on the loose ball and scored, but could not convert. With time running down on the clock Wetherby re asserted their forward dominance and began driving the ball forwards, this then led to a fantastic bulldozer like try from the free scoring prop Dave Massey, and with the added points from Matty Finch we went in at half time 12-10 up.

The second half was a different story. Harrogate had finally realised that their opportunities would come from the pace in their back line. This was boosted when they brought on 3 new young runners from somewhere. Their youth and pace started to take its toll and the scoreline went with it, but yet again wetherby’s determination was still evident even when the referee offered to end the game early all our players responded with a resounding NO. There was still time for Andy Gillighan to try a switch step move down the far wing (he had obviously been watching the rugby league internationals).

Man of the Match : Dave Massey
Champagne moment: Andy Gillighan