Bragging rights go to Sandal in title chase

Harrogate opened with a range of attacking moves but the excellent Sandal defence held firm. The visitors took a Harrogate scrum with a strike against the head, Harrogate went offside and Greg Wood’s penalty goal gave Sandal an early lead. Attacking play tested both defences but Harrogate were penalised for a high tackle and Wood extended the lead.

Gate stole a Sandal lineout and forwards and backs combined well for a period of creative, attacking rugby that resulted in a Callum Irvine penalty.

Harrogate were well contained by Sandal’s pressured defence which frequently forced knock-ons. Jonny Gatus squirmed through the mass of bodies in a maul to put Sandal 11-3 ahead at half-time.

Aarin Yorke cut the deficit with a fine try from a move he started and finished. Sandal’s defence continued to cope well with Harrogate pressure and flanker James Briscoe mounted a counter attack. Good support led to Sandal crossing the Harrogate line through Max Whittingham.

Mike Aspinall came off the bench for Harrogate and made an immediate impact with incisive breaks which split the first line of defence.

But Sandal’s well-organised tackling continued to hold firm and they held out for a well-deserved victory.

A 74th-minute drop goal from Tom Bills wrapped up a 29-19 win over Percy Park for Bradford and Bingley, which guaranteed the Wagon Lane side’s safety.

This was the Bees’ fifth home win on the bounce.

Richard Scull kept a slow-starting Bees in touch at 13-9 with three penalties before explosive back Guy Ford scored a fine individual try to reward their growing ascendancy.

Tom Bills chipped over the defence and set up Tommy Kanouros for their second try.

Scull added six more points to keep Percy Park at bay and ensure the Bees’ survival.