Harrogate Pythons travelled to the artificial surface at Yarnbury RFC on a perfect day for rugby. The Pythons took control of the game straight from the kick off. Hugh Tatlow charges down a clearance kick and forces a 5m attacking scrum. Sam Rowntree picks up at number 8 as is held. The ball is re cycled and Will Milnes, Jack McGowan and Jordan are all held up by a determined Yarnbury defence. The Pythons are held out for several phases until a spilled ball is gathered by the home winger. He spots a gap and races through passing to his supporting player on half way – score under the posts, 7-0.
Once again The Pythons take control at the kick off. Max Sharp races into the 22 and is supported by Marcel Kaminski. Tatlow takes the ball 10m out and is held 2m short but manages to off load the ball to supporting Milnes to cross the line. Joe Rowntree adds the extras, 7-7 on 12 mins. Yarnbury keep the ball away from The Pythons stronger pack and move the ball wide. They win a penalty on half way, quickly take a tap forcing Rhys Cory to tackle the home centre 3m short. The ball goes forward and The Pythons clear from the scrum. Dylan Wepener intercepts a pass on The Pythons 22 and is caught 30m away from the home line. Cory is in support and feeds Tatlow who passes to Wepener to finish off what he had started, 7-12. Shortly afterwards a home attacking line out catches The Pythons flat footed, 12-12. As half time approaches a serious injury to a home centre halts play for several minutes. Yarnbury kick a penalty and the ref blows for half time, 15-12.
Yarnbury create 2 more chances early in the second half taking the score to 34-12. The Pythons begin the pressure once again. McGowan’s power plays takes The Pythons under the shadow of the posts, Cory can’t find a way through. George Booth is held agonisingly short and the ball is set. McGowan spots the gap and bulldozers over, Rowntree adds the extras, 34-19. Wepener, now at 9, works sharply with his pack. The home side are penalised repeatedly at the break down. Milnes and Adam Button work well in mid field, Yarnbury hit Rowntree late and receive a yellow card. Sharp puts the ball in the corner, Milnes secures the line out, McGowan peels off from the base and despite Tatlow’s support the Yarnbury defence hold firm. With the ball set, Wepener finds Button on the outside who dives into the corner, Rowntree adds the 2 from the touchline 34-26. Yarnbury hold out for the remaining 2 minutes, full time.
After the game DoR Tom Baxter said, “ I was pleased with large aspects of the game despite the outcome. For large parts of the game we dominated set piece, possession and territory, but on that surface against a quick back 3 mistakes will always be punished. Going to Yarnbury away is always a tricky day on their 3G with a back fast 3. We faced multiple challenges throughout the week with the squad changing many times, but I’m incredibly proud of the lads who pulled on the shirt and on another day the result could easily have been the other way around.”
Earning only one try bonus point The Pythons drop to 6th place on 17 points. On the road again this Saturday to play 10th placed Hullensians.
