Harrogate Pythons edge out West Leeds to make it five home wins on the spin

The Starbeck-based club have struggled on their travels this term, but been extremely strong at Station View, with this latest triumph following on from victories over Hullensians, Yarnbury, Goole and Beverley.

They actually looked set to end up on the wrong end of a very close contest, trailing by two points with time almost up. However, Ben Pryor kicked a last-gasp penalty to secure a 25-24 win and extended his team’s fine recent run.

"We put in an awesome display for the full 80 minutes, allowing us to take the spoils with the last kick of the game," said delighted Pythons coach John Liley.

"Having had to make several changes and play people out of their usual positions, we stuck to our plan throughout.

"Although we created a significant lead, West Leeds, as expected, came back at us to edge in front with just five minutes remaining.

"At this point, the wheels could have easily fallen off, but the character of the 18 players that contributed meant that we were able to pull together to create the opportunity to win the game at the end."

The early exchanges were fairly even, but it was West Leeds who took a 10th-minute lead when they went over in the corner.

The Pythons got themselves back on terms following a line-out catch-and-drive.

George Booth peeled off with the ball, and although he was stopped inches short, Harry Butler spotted the narrowest of gaps and burrowed through to score.

Having repelled a useful foray forwards by their visitors, 'Gate got themselves back on the front foot and moved ahead with 25 minutes on the clock.

After Butler was initially halted on the five-metre line, Eddie Wilkinson continued the drive before Pryor got his hands on the ball and brought Booth into the attack.

Booth then spotted Jordan Payne running a great line, and he stepped two players before crossing the whitewash with a flamboyant dive for Pryor to convert.

The Pythons began to assert themselves on the game more as the half wore on and a third try materialised before the break.

Following a sustained spell of pressure, Payne almost went over again before that man Butler appeared to finish the job.

Leading 19-5 at the interval, the home side began the second period brightly and, just had they had done towards the back end of the opening half, continued to force Leeds into giving away penalties.

From one such situation, Pryor was able to dissect the uprights with a shot at goal, making the score 22-5.

Despite the visitors being down to 14 men due to a yellow card, they responded with two converted tries out of nowhere to trim the gap to just three points.

The Pythons reacted well and took charge of the 15 minutes that followed, but despite enjoying both territory and possession, they were unable to add to their total.

Disaster then struck when the ball was lost in a tackle and a swift counter-attack ended with Leeds crossing again to snatch a slender 24-22 advantage with only five minutes remaining.

'Gate would however throw everything at the away team during the dying moments, and their intent was rewarded right at the death.

Some desperate defensive work was penalised by the referee and Pryor landed another kick at goal to settle matters just seconds before the final whistle sounded.

Despite Saturday's success, the Pythons ended the weekend one place worse off than they started it in seventh as a result of a bonus-point success for mid-table rivals Wensleydale.

Liley and his men will be aiming to make it six in a row at home this weekend when they entertain 10th-placed Old Rishworthian.