Gate pressure South but it’s not enough

SOUTH Leicester may have got the win, but Harrogate left the Midlands with a losing bonus point thanks to a late try.

The home side’s penalties proved decisive as they stood firm against Harrogate pressure in the closing minutes to seal the win.

Sam Fox scored an early penalty but the lead lasted just two minutes as Rickie Aley levelled with a kick of his own.

Dale Ager was binned for South Leicester and things looked bleak, but they responded well when Aley combined with Will Cave and Jacob Heath, the kicker missing from the resulting penalty but made amends with an effort soon after.

With South Leicester back to full strength Harrogate struck, Keane Naylor breaking to find David Docherty, who finished superbly and Fox convert-

ed to lead by four.

Aley responded with another penalty to trail by just one at the break.

And South began the second half well, Aley setting Cave free for a try, which the kicker converted before grabbing another penalty shortly after.

Harrogate still looked able to score, though, and Guy Coser crossed for an unconverted try but they could not breach South’s line again as the visitors had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Harrogate remain in 14th while South stay just one spot behind their city rivals in sixth.