Harrogate Pythons RUFC eyeing another promotion after fast start to the season
Runners-up in Yorkshire Three last season, Dan Bird’s team suffered a narrow defeat on the opening day of 2022/23 but have subsequently gone on to win four matches on the bounce.
Their most recent success was a 39-19 victory away at Baildon on Saturday afternoon, a result which leaves the Station View outfit second in the table and level on points with leaders Wath.
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Hide AdThus, head coach Bird says that expectation levels have now risen at the Jim Saynor Ground.
"This performance was a statement of intent from the boys and the result is the reward of their hard work week in week out,” he reflected.
“This is a very special group of players whose thirst to learn and improve is relentless. They are continually pushing one another to be better, making selection a real conundrum.
“After promotion, we were unsure what our goals were this year, content with taking it one game at a time.
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Hide Ad"There is real belief that this squad is capable of another promotional season.”
A fourth-minute Will Clough penalty set the Pythons on their way at Baildon and although the hosts hit back with a try shortly afterwards, Hugh Tatlow touched down following an attacking scrum to put his side 8-5 up.
In the 23rd minute, ‘Gate profited from another scrum, a textbook move seeing the ball moved through several pairs of hands for Joe Bentham to race over in the corner. Clough added the extras for 15-5.
On the half-hour-mark, Marcus Fotherby secured a loose ball and possession was quickly shifted to Sam Beagrie, who set Tatlow away with a perfectly-timed pass, Clough converting again.
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Hide AdThe Pythons then won a scrum against the head and, having picked up at the base, Tatlow advanced before releasing Clough, who finished off then converted his own try for a 29-5 lead at the interval.
Baildon were first to draw blood in the second period, however the visitors went 34-12 up when Tatlow crossed out wide to complete his hat-trick.
The home team scored a third try five minutes from time, but the last word went to ‘Gate after Clough pounced on a loose ball at a Baildon scrum and sprinted clear.