The match was hard-fought from the start, with both sides finding it difficult to penetrate two very well-organised defences. West broke the deadlock first with a Rob Bellerby penalty, only to fall behind after an interception led to a Harrogate try under the posts. It was only in the last minutes of the half that West went over, with, from a bout of sustained West pressure, Chris Lambert forcing his way past three tackles to score a try which Bellerby converted to give West a 10-7 half-time lead.
The second half continued in the same vein, both sides were playing some slick rugby, with neat passing and running, but excellent covering defence meant neither line was seriously threatened. Harrogate equalised from a penalty, and West regained the lead from another one, a long-range Bellerby effort. In the last minute ‘Gate had a kick to draw level, but it was just pushed wide, and West secured the win.
An excellent game, played in good spirit, and all credit to two skilful and impressive sides. Although West have won the last three meetings between these sides, the total points margin has been seven, showing how closely matched they are. The return match in April should be worth watching.
Squad: Murray; Short, Lambert, Dewhirst, Austin; Bellerby, Dougherty; Greenwell, Richardson, Wood; Robson, Hunt; Miller, Cairns (Barker), Dixon; Evens, King, Robinson, Wager.
West Colts 13 Harrogate 10
By Jon Dewhirst - January 31 2006Lambert - Great Try
West took the victory in yet another tight, hard and, at times, very skilful match against league leaders Harrogate. West started without four players, all forwards, including two front rows. Phil Close was ill, Chris Forrest unavailable, and Aaron Myers and Jon Norris were on County u20s duty.