The mid morning rain cleared just in time for the kick off and the Bees’ performance in the game’s early stages was as bright and breezy as the north Yorkshire weather. However, despite dominating both possession and territory, the men from Portway failed to convert pressure into points.

Adam Canning failed to take the first penalty points on offer on the 15 minute mark. Sadly for the Bees’ fly half, who has been a bit of a phenomenon with the right boot this season, this rather set the tone for what was to be a difficult afternoon for him kicking from the tee.

Bees finally opened their account after 19 minutes, with winger Joseph Mogaji touching down in the corner after collecting a floating pass from scrum half Rod Petty. Canning was unable to slot the extras.

The Harrogate defence had proved to be generally solid in the first half and what little ball they had they tended to squander through unforced handling errors. However fly half Joe Rowntree narrowed the deficit to 3-5 with a well-taken penalty from just inside the Bees half after 22 minutes.

The Bees were unlucky not to increase their lead after 28 minutes, when a Canning penalty hit the (not so) uprights – Joesph Mogaji collected the rebound but the ‘Gate defence was again resolute on their own line.

Despite limited possession, the young Harrogate backline always looked a threat and winger Harry Parrish showed his pace to score the home side’s first try of the afternoon after 36 minutes. The breakaway move was the first time that the home side had been in the opposition’s 22 that half. Rowntree missed the conversion, but Harrogate had now taken an 8-5 lead.

With half time looming, more Bees’ pressure and another well worked rolling maul took the ball to within 5 metres of the Harrogate try line. Petty fed to full back Ian Briggs, who crossed the whitewash for a second Bees’ try. With Canning again unable to convert, the visitors went in at the break 8-10 to the good, but no doubt disappointed that the margin was not greater given the amount of territory and possession they had enjoyed.

For Harrogate, a good dose of Benylin must have been prescribed at half time, for in the second half they coughed up far less ball. Most significant, however, was the introduction of 19-year old Callum Irvine in at fly half from the substitutes bench, who brought renewed energy and attacking intent to the Harrogate attack.

However before the young Scot had chance to make his mark, it was Bees’ centre Steve Leach who was to put the first points on the board after the break, using his significant bulk to cross the try line after another period of sustained pressure. Canning was again wide of the mark with the conversion, leaving the Bees 8-15 ahead 4 minutes in.

There then followed a truly ”helter skelter” 10 minutes of rugby, which would see 4 tries, two bonus points secured and the home side take a 29-20 lead.

First up was a try for ‘Gate lock forward Jake Brady on the 5 minute mark, converted by Irvine. Harry Parrish then showed some excellent footwork to score his second try, again successfully converted by Irvine, 5 minutes later. The Bees came straight back, with Elvers cashing in on a poorly executed ‘Gate kick near their own line to give the Bees a bonus point try.

However, Irvine was now warming to his task and a lovely break by him lead to a try by ‘Gate centre Luke Edwards. With another successful Irvine conversion kick landed, an increasingly confident Harrogate now led 29-20 with the try bonus point also secured. Bees were far from down and out and the pack, led by the ever impressive Radburn, continued to drive forward, although the home side were becoming more effective at disrupting the visitors’ rolling maul.

A fifth Bees try, scored by replacement second row Harry Morley following a poor Harrogate line out, successfully converted - to ironic cheers - by Canning narrowed the score line to 29-27 and. The topsy-turvy nature of the game thus far suggested that anything could happen in the last ten minutes.

As the Bees continued to press for the decisive score, Elvers threw a looping pass out to winger Dai Evans, which was well read by Irvine. The young Scot dashed in from 50 metres to put the ball under the post with just 6 minutes to go. With the extras duly taken, Harrogate took a 34-27 lead. Despite pressure in an increasingly dark and now rainy last five minutes, the Bees were unable to add to their points tally.

Referee McGaffney, whose interpretation of the off side laws hadn’t exactly won him many plaudits from the home supporters, blew his whistle to conclude what had been a highly entertaining, yet ultimately frustrating afternoon for the Bees.

Eugene Martin will no doubt be looking for a better return when his side entertain bottom of the table Dudley K at Portway next Saturday, 9th November KO 2pm.