Saturday 31st January 2026 – KO 2:15pm
RFU Northern Division Counties 1 Yorkshire
Welcome to Old Rishworthian RUFC’s players, supporters and Committee Members for the second, rearranged, meeting of our clubs in the 25/26 Season. Earlier in the season we visited Rishworth and lost 29-25 in a tight game with our return home fixture on 10th January being postponed due to a frozen pitch. The Pythons played last week and won at home against West Leeds 25-24, whilst Rishworth’s last game was away at Keighley where they lost 59-22.
Welcome to our guests for our pre match lunch. Welcome too to our referee for today, James Bex.
This is our third season in Counties 1. Last season was better and the guys put up some great performances finishing 8th in the table. Thanks to our great coaching team we’re applying the lessons learned and things are beginning to come together.
On behalf of all at The Pythons may I wish you all a Happy New Year and a successful 2026. 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
Formed in 2005, Harrogate Pythons RUFC is now an RFU Accredited Club promoting rugby participation across our community and providing fellowship 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 here at Station View with Harrogate Railway Athletic FC and we invite you to 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.
2025/26 League Positions
Counties 1 Yorkshire
2025/26 Fixtures
Harrogate Pythons
Playing Squad
(Player Sponsored by)
1 – Jack McGowan (Andrew & Cathy Davies)
2 – Harry Butler (Michael Armstrong) (VC)
3 – Russel Robertson
4 – Pete Millward
5 – Eddy Wilkinson
6 – Marcus Fotherby (MHM Pension Services)
7 – Rhys Cory
8 – Will Milnes (TEQ Group)
9 – Natsuki Barclay
10 – Harry Smith
11 -Connor Spence
12 – Ben Pryor (Grace & Morris Architects) (C)
13 – Harry Jackson
14 – Bailey Bromberg
15 – Max Sharp (No35 Coffee) (VC)
16 – Marc Ford
17 – Jamie Goddard
18 – Nick Bell
Director of Rugby: Tom Baxter
Head Coach: John Liley
Assistant Coach: Dave Rowntree
Team Manager: Will Clough
Pitch Side Therapist: Mark Foster
Touch Judge: John Henry
Referee: James Bex
Old Rishworthian RUFC
Playing Squad
1 – J Walter
2 – M Tooby
3 – R Jenkins
4 – N Faulkner
5 – J Copping
6 – H Hilton
7 – C Ransley
8 – F Mitchell
9 – J Highley
10 – L Siasau
11 – D Hilton
12 – G Withers
13 – J Smith
14 – E Armstrong
15 – A Brook
16 – B Grundy
17 – O Witchell
18 – CJ Leatham
Code of Conduct for Players and Spectators
• Always promote fair play – be positive
• Always promote high standards of behaviour
• Never condone or encourage foul play
• Encourage and treat all participants equally and fairly
• Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials
• Never criticise officials
• Recognise good performance and effort
• Always follow Club and RFU guidelines
• Always stay behind the barriers
• Please keep your dog on a lead
Help us keep The Jim Saynor Ground a safe and welcoming place to play and watch our great game.
Above all, enjoy your day.
Man of the Match Sponsored by
2025/26 Coaching & Support Team
