Harrogate 31 v Tynedale 33
Saturday, 15 March 2025

Match Report

It was heartbreak for Harrogate as they missed out on a vital 3 points to drop to the foot of the National League 1 North table.

The match began with Tynedale's Haigh scoring the first try in the 5th minute, giving the visitors an early 5-0 lead. Leslie successfully converted, extending the lead to 7-0. Harrogate quickly responded, with Hill scoring a try in the 8th minute, and Macnab converting to level the score at 7-7. Hill struck again in the 18th minute, and Macnab's reliable boot ensured Harrogate took a 14-7 lead. A head injury ended Leslie’s day before he got started being replaced by the 9, Telford, on kicking duties. He was quickly required as Tynedale fought back, with Wood crossing the line in the 22nd minute and Telford converting to bring the score to 14-14. Harrogate regained the lead in the 32nd minute through Captain Sam Brady's try, and Macnab's conversion made it 21-14.

Macnab extended the lead further soon after half time with a penalty in the 45th minute, making it 24-14 and Harrogate in control for half. Harrogate’s Martin Dodds was sent to the bin for an intentional fingertip knock on, leading to Tynedale's Beaty scoring a try in the 56th minute. The extras were secured, converting to narrow the gap to 24-21. Tynedale then took the lead for the first time since the opening try, with Miller scoring in the 60th minute. However, Telford missed the conversion, leaving the score at 26-24.
Harrogate's Dobson responded with a fantastic line break, scoring under the posts in the 67th minute, and Macnab's conversion put the hosts back in front at 31-26. The drama continued as Wearmouth scored for Tynedale in the 73rd minute, and Telford's conversion gave the visitors a slender 33-31 lead. A further yellow card cost Harrogate their replacement hooker, Charlie Head on the 69th minute giving him some hope of returning to the game. It wasn’t to be as in the dying moments of the match, Harrogate had a chance to snatch victory after Tynedale gave up penalties under a sustained offence from the home side. Eventually, offering a good kicking opportunity, which missed the mark on the 80th minute, leaving Tynedale to celebrate a hard-fought 33-31 win.

With Billingham securing the maximum away to Lymm and Hull coming up empty-handed against Sheffield, there remains only 1 point between the bottom 3, meaning safety and relegation still hang in the balance.

Harrogate DOR Martyn Wood said, " Discipline was the difference today, 2 yellow cards in the second half killed is. Again a kick to win didn't go our way but we look forward to trip to local rivals at Otley next week for what should be a great day for Yorkshire rugby