Harrogate Pythons RUFC enjoy 'huge moment' as Ripon RUFC success earns them place in Yorkshire Shield final
Harrogate Pythons RUFC director of rugby Tom Baxter described reaching the final of the Yorkshire Shield as a “huge moment for the club.”
The men from the Jim Saynor Ground beat local rivals Ripon 53-33 at the semi-final stage to set up a showdown with Wath Upon Dearne on May 23.
That result came just a week after the Pythons wrapped up their most successful Yorkshire One campaign to date, and left Baxter able to reflect on a period of real progression at Station View.
“This is a huge moment for the club, our first final in our history, and that’s something everyone involved should be really proud of,” he said. “It reflects how far the club has come in a short space of time and the groundwork that has been laid before.
"This shows the work that the group is putting in week to week, and I am really proud of the players.
"The semi-final win was a whole-squad effort and to beat local rivals makes it even more special. These are the games that mean a bit more, and I thought the lads handled the occasion really well.
“There was intensity, physicality, and composure when it mattered, but what pleased us the most was seeing the players attack the game in every aspect and have the intent to play some fast, attacking rugby.”
After Ripon took an early 5-0 lead, the Pythons hit back through a Harry Butler try that was converted by Ben Pryor.
Harry Smith’s long-range penalty goal then edged the hosts further ahead before the same player embarked on a fine 30-metre solo run to score in the corner.
Butler then went over for a second time, with Pryor again converting to make it 22-5, though the Blues were able to respond with another try just before the interval.
Ripon added a third touchdown early in the second half to move within three points of the home side, only for Pryor to quickly boot over a penalty which afforded the Pythons a bit of breathing space.
And the irrepressible Butler then put Baxter’s men back in full control when he powered over the whitewash from close range to complete his hat-trick.
Pryor again added the extras, and the Pythons kept on coming, Freddie Abrahams running in under the posts for Pryor to convert once more.
A Rhys Cory try, converted by Pryor, stretched the advantage to 46-19 before Ripon rallied and touched down twice in quick succession.
But it was to be ‘Gate who had the final say through Smith, whose effort was converted by Pryor to round off the scoring.