Luctonians 38 Harrogate 12: Rowntree accuracy proves not enough

A faultless kicking display by Joe Rowntree kept Harrogate very much in contention until half-time.

Thereafter, Luctonians’ power and better game management swept them into an imperious victory by five tries to none.

After two minutes, over-ambitious, wide passing from Harrogate in their own 22 led to an interception and a try from winger Will Hodnett.

This almost happened several more times during the game as Harrogate persisted with this tactic and Luctonians’ pressure defence managed to satisfy the referee that they were not offside.

Rowntree stroked a penalty from almost halfway but when Harrogate offended at a scrum, John Morris replied.

Luctonians were then penalised for crossing and another kick by Rowntree edged Harrogate closer. They then took the lead when Luctonians went offside and Rowntree landed a 55 metre effort from the touchline.

For the next 15 minutes, the big home pack battered at Harrogate but they were held out by some strong defence, including big hits from Steve Maycock and Harry Hannan.

Harrogate’s forwards also tested the defence with powerful runs from Hannan, Tim Heaton and Jake Brady.

The Harrogate line-out had been functioning well but they then lost possession at the rear and stand-off Will Burton shimmied through for a try.

Hodnett was then sin-binned for an illegal tackle and Rowntree kicked another penalty.

On the stroke of half-time, Harrogate possession was turned over and they went offside in an attempt to recover the situation. Morris duly made it 18-12.

Morris’s penalty after the break widened the gap before Ed Smithies was adjudged to have deliberately knocked on and Luctonians set up an attacking line-out, replacement flanker Nathan Roy-Smith driving over to score a converted try.

Ryan Peacey replaced Sam Brady but was yellow-carded for foul play and Hannan followed him for dissent. Luctonians took advantage, Will Richards and prop Anthony Marfell scoring the final two tries.