Harrogate Pythons bite back to take rollercoaster victory

More than eighty points were scored in a topsy-turvy tie as Harrogate Pythons remained unbeaten at their new home on Penny Pot Lane on Saturday.
Castleford v Harrogate PythonsCastleford v Harrogate Pythons
Castleford v Harrogate Pythons

Pythons, enjoying the wide pitch at the Army Foundation College, kept the scorekeepers busy with a 58-26 win over Aireborough to climb up to eighth in Yorkshire Three.

Gareth Bass crashed over for the Pythons first score on seven minutes, after Ross Fallenstein had stroked over an early penalty.

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The match was held up for several minutes following a nasty knee injury to Aire’s prop. When it restarted Liam Monaghan touched down in the corner before Bass collected his second try, which Fallenstein converted.

Ivan Drane’s try put the Pythons 25 points to the good, before Aire struck back with two tries before half-time.

The visitors scored two more tries shortly into the second half as they completed a remarkable comeback to lead by one point.

However, the rollercoaster shifted in the Pythons’ favour in the final 20 minutes.

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Tries from Fallenstein, and Bass’ hat-trick score put the Harrogate men in front. Sam Gibbs collected Ian Binns’ pass to add another score on 67 minutes before Bass made it four for the afternoon with five minutes left.

Drane completed an impressive end to the game with a try under the posts, which man of the match Fallenstein knocked over.

Man of the match went to Ross Fallenstein, for an outstanding display of kicking and running.

Pythons are at home again this Saturday for the visit of promotion chasing Castleford (2.15pm).