Harrogate Pythons 1st XV entertained 4th placed Hullensians at The JSG. With 3 consecutive home wins under their belt confidence was running high for John Liley’s men. The Pythons were quickly on the offensive following a clean line out in the Hull half. Sam Rowntree drives the ball close to the line and Freddie Abrahams controls play steering his forwards closer. He feeds Jack Whiting who spots Marcus Fotherby running a great line, pops him the ball and he scores, 5-0 on 3 mins .Harry Butler turns the ball over in mid field and The Pythons pile on the pressure once again. With the home forwards in total control George Booth is held inches short and the supporting Butler drives over for the first of his hat trick, Ben Pryor adds the extras, 12-0 on 18mins. Will Milnes, Rhys Cory and Whiting closed down the mid field halting Hull’s attempt at gaining ground. Hull gain a penalty, 12-3 at half time.
Fotherby secures clean line out ball, Butler and Milnes drive the ball through phases forcing a penalty from Hull. Max Sharp kicks the ball to 10m out. Hugh Tatlow secures the lineout and drives towards the line. He’s pulled down 2m short and that man Butler in on hand to claim his second. Pryor coverts, 19-3. Fotherby claims line out ball again allowing Abrahams to bring his big runners in. Tatlow begins the drive, Abrahams uses Aaron Woods to gain more yards, Butler and Booth add to the gained ground with Tatlow picking and barging over to score, 24-3. Clean line out ball once again gives the home forwards forward momentum and Butler’s final drive gives him his hat trick, 29-3. Accurate passing and great support play sees the Python’s score their best try so far this season. Involving interplay between Tatlow, Jed Carr, Abahams, Butler, Whiting, Booth sees Sharp touch down under the posts, Pryor adds the 2, 36-3. In the last 10 mins Hull managed to show why they were 4th placed in the league utilising their speed in the backs to score 2 tries, final score 36-17.
After the game Coach Liley said,” We put in a comprehensive performance to continue the excellent progress made over recent weeks. Our defence was awesome and set the platform for us to record a bonus point victory. It was an all-round accomplished performance by everyone. We have finished 2025 on a massive high and have set ourselves up for an exciting second half of the season. We now sit nicely at 4th in the table ready to build on in 2026 added with an exciting semi-final in the Yorkshire Shield. An amazing way to celebrate Christmas on a high with everything to play for in 2026. A huge thanks also to everyone that has supported us so far this season”.
The Whittaker’s Gin MOM was awarded jointly by Ian Currie and Phil Richardson to a deserving Freddie Abrahams.
