Harrogate 57

Kirkby Lonsdale 12

DESPITE dominating a much vaunted Harrogate pack at times, Kirkby Lonsdale could not make it pay and slumped to an ultimately heavy North Premier defeat.

It was always going to be a difficult game but Kirkby competed well, particularly in the early stages, and had the consolation of bagging two tries, but in the end they can have few complaints as the home side ran out worthy winners.

Kirkby had started promisingly but suffered a setback after only four minutes when prop Alex Briggs limped off with a leg injury, Sam Kyle-Clay replacing him.

However, they maintained the attacking momentum and were rewarded with a try on 12 minutes from skipper Dave Barton after good handling by the backs gave him space down the right.

Mike Fearon slotted over the kick and the visitors continued to dominate, but as the half wore on, Harrogate came more into the game and drove over for a converted try on 25 minutes.

On the half hour another period of home pressure saw centre Jack Ward pick up a yellow card for a technical offence and the 14 men couldn’t contain Harrogate who ran in two quick tries.

On the stroke of half time, Barton took a heavy knock to the head and was prone on the ground for some time, and though he was eventually able to walk off after receiving lengthy treatment, it was clear he would be taking no further part in the action.

Young Kirkby player Max Pearce came off the bench onto the right wing and put in a creditable second half performance, but things did not go right for the team as a whole.

First they gifted a try when a clearance kick was charged down near the line and then went down to 14 again when second row Craig Galbraith picked up a 'technical offence' yellow card.

There was a moment of success for Kirkby when Scott Armstrong powered through to score the second try, but it was Harrogate with a hatful of second half tries who eventually ran out worthy 57–12 winners.

So two defeats from two tough away games, and there needs to be some rebound next Saturday when Kirkby entertain newly promoted Carlisle at Underley Park.