A beautiful warm day greeted Harrogate RUFC as they arrived at Kelleythorpe with both their 1st and 2nd XVs travelling.
The pitch and grounds looked fantastic for this opening Regional 1 North East fixture. As kick-off approached, Driffield supporters turned up en-masse, looking forward to a exciting game of rugby.
The match kicked off with both teams battling for possession and territory. It was Harrogate who got on the scoreboard first : they made a good platform, their fly-half spotted the winger in space and chipped the ball into his arms and he finished well near the posts. Converted. D0 – H7
From the restart, Driffield looked a lot sharper and went on the attack. On 15 minutes, Driffield were awarded a 5m scrum at the Harrogate end. After a good set-piece, Johnson picked up ay 8 and charged over. Converted Grant. D7 – H7
The match went a bit stale form this point, with both sides trying their best. Both sides looked a little rusty, with knock-ons a-plenty.
Harrogate won a penalty on 25 mins, which they kicked.
Driffield returned the favour on 39 mins, making the score 10 – 10 at half time.
It was again Harrogate who started strongest for the second half. A penalty kick and converted try gave them an early 20 – 10 lead.
The first 15 minutes of the second half was all Harrogate. But Driffield took it to them for the remainder of the half : trying as they might, they couldn’t get any more points.
Full Time Driffield 10 – 20 Harrogate.
Driffield will be disappointed with the result – they could have won the game. Harrogate, despite being relegated last season, were not the strongest team we have faced. It was maybe two teams blowing the cobwebs off as a season opener. Hopefully Driffield will improve for the trip to Sandal next weekend.