Harrogate Pythons 1st XV vs Bridlington RUFC

Saturday 3rd October 2026 - KO 2:00pm

RFU Northern Division Counties 1 Yorkshire

Welcome to Bridlington RUFC’s players, supporters and Committee Members for the first meeting of our clubs this season. We last played Bridlington in the 2024/25 Season managing wins home and away. In their last league fixture Bridlington beat Wensleydale at home, 47 – 31. The Pythons travelled to West Leeds and won 39-46.

This is our first home game following the delayed start to the season. We will be kicking off all our home games for the season at 2pm, something other league members are doing and something our players certainly support. This is also the first time our clubhouse manager Lynn, with help from Charlie, has prepared our pre match lunches and post match food – thanks ladies for stepping up! Welcome too to John Monty Monaghan and his guests joining us for the lunch

Our referee for today, Matt Wray – his first trip to The Jim Saynor Ground .

Thanks to our great coaching team we’re applying the lessons learned in the training sessions and things are beginning to come together, let’s hope for a positive start to the season.

Dates for your diary – we’re holding our Annual Dinner with Chris Ashton speaking and John Inverdale MC’ing on 15th October, tickets 55.00 at The Old Swan Hotel – places still available, ‘Lunch With……….’ Warren Gatland at William & Victorias on 12th November, Annual Golf Day on 24th June at Oakdale Golf Club – see our web site for details.

Thanks to today's match ball sponsors The Harrogate Round Table.

With a bit of luck the weather holds fair and we’ll enjoy the game. Best of luck to both sides.

Julian Tatlow

Chairman, Harrogate Pythons RUFC

Message From our DoR Tom Baxter

It’s fantastic to have the 1XV back at JSG this weekend for what should be an exciting game against Bridlington, with both sides starting the season strongly. Meanwhile, the 2XV make the short trip to Ilkley, and we head into the weekend with two committed squads ready to build on last week’s performances.

The 1XV made a great start with a strong win at West Leeds, playing with real tempo and energy. There’s clear progress within the group, and the focus now is on being more clinical and maintaining standards for the full 80 minutes.

The 2XV fell just short against Richmondshire but showed plenty of encouraging signs, with training patterns beginning to come through. Continued involvement in training will be key as we develop combinations and build momentum.

There’s been a real sense of progress across the club. Welcoming Steve Bannister (Head of Athletic Development) and Joe Rowntree (Player Coach) into the coaching team has already made a big impact, raising intensity, skill level and individual development. The players are working incredibly hard and embracing the direction we’re moving in.

A huge thank you to the Pythons committee for their support and for helping us invest in the environment we provide. With our expanded backroom team and new performance analysis tools, we’re creating the structures that help players grow throughout the season.

Finally, it’s brilliant to see you at JSG today. Your support means a great deal, and we’re excited for the season ahead.

Enjoy the rugby, get behind the lads, and let’s make JSG rock.

Up the Pythons! 🐍🖤💛

Formed in 2005, Harrogate Pythons RUFC became an RFU Accredited Club in 2018 promoting rugby participation across our community and involvement for our players, supporters and club sponsors alike.

The Jim Saynor Ground at Station View has been our home since 2017. We share our clubhouse facility with Harrogate Railway Athletic FC and hope you enjoy our hospitality during the fixture. Join us at the bar for the usual post-match analysis and friendly debate. Our venue is also available for hire on match day for pre-match lunches and also for private functions at other times too.

Please view the rest of our website for more information about our club including membership, news & events and sponsorship opportunities etc.