HARROGATE 29

ROSSLYN PARK 36

A totally committed Rosslyn Park performance in which the back row were out-standing put an end to Harrogates 100 per cent home record in a tense but entertaining match, writes Charles Addiman.

Gate had run up 99 points in their previous two home matches, but Park clearly took the view that attack was the best means of defence and gave the home side little time to settle.

Harrogate raced into a 7-0 lead before Park laid siege to the home line and James Justice scored a try which Matt Dowse converted.

Gate rallied almost imme-diately and scored a con-verted try in the corner to make it 14-7, but Park continued to press.

A clearance attempt was charged down and man-of-the-match Tim Nunan was on the spot to touch down.

Minutes later, Nunan parried another rushed clearance and winger Torquil Mathewson sped over the line for a try which Dowse again converted.

Harrogate kicked a penalty to close the gap, but Park hooker Steve Kearns then got his name on the scoresheet.

Before half time, Park conceded a soft try, but just after the interval, Nunan was on hand to plunge over for 29-22.

However, Harrogate were not dead and scored another converted try to level the score, before Parks physical and mental reserves proved strongest.

A line-out near the home try-line saw Kearns go over and Dowse score the final conversion.