Harrogate vs. Hull Ionians
Saturday, 8th March 2025

With the sun shining at the Apollo Capital Stadium, the pre-match atmosphere was boosted by 130 lunch guests including Clearwater Recycling (match sponsors), Apollo Capital, a group of former players from recent years led by Andy Boyde, and parties from Begbies Traynor, the regular Corner diners and a group hosted by Rob Coxon. Home supporters were hoping for a repeat of the recent Fylde result and the Harrogate players were given a rousing reception onto the pitch.

Match Report

Harrogate secured five much-needed points to keep them in the fight to avoid relegation as they emerged victorious over Hull. The home side ultimately secured a 35-23 win, but the visitors pushed them to the limit in a fiercely contested affair.

Harrogate made a blistering start, drawing first blood in the 11th minute. A well-executed attack saw Gilmartin (4) cross the whitewash, and Macnab (15) added the extras to give Harrogate a 7-0 lead. However, Hull Ionians responded swiftly. Minikin (13) capitalised on a defensive lapse to score a try, converting his effort to level the scores at 7-7.

The game’s see-saw nature continued as Harrogate regained the initiative. Brady (5) powered over in the 34th minute, and Macnab's conversion extended the lead to 14-7. Just before the interval, Hull Ionians struck back once more, with Powell (5) touching down. Minikin failed to convert, leaving the score at 14-12 at half-time.

Harrogate came out firing after the break. Hill (7) added to their tally with a try in the 44th minute, and Macnab's accurate boot stretched the lead to 21-12. Hull Ionians refused to buckle, however. Minikin slotted a penalty in the 47th minute to reduce the deficit to 21-15. Then, Hudson (6) scored a well-worked try in the 53rd minute, but Minikin again missed the conversion attempt, leaving the score at 21-20.
The tension mounted as the visitors seized the lead for the first time in the 60th minute, Minikin kicking another penalty to put Hull Ionians ahead 21-23. Harrogate, however, showed resilience. In the 69th minute, Percival (1) crashed over for a crucial try, and Macnab's conversion restored Harrogate's advantage at 28-23.

As the clock ticked down, Harrogate sealed the victory with a late flourish. Great work by Phil Whickham and Connor Miller put Walsh (18) into space to score a try in the 77th minute, and Macnab's conversion completed the scoring, securing a 35-23 win for the home side.
Harrogate Club Chairman, Mark Garrett , commented, “After such a disappointing visit to Sheffield last week, another home win is exactly what we needed, especially with such a large crowd to entertain. The season is far from over and could well go down to the wire”