Harrogate Pythons RUFC head coach Roy MacKay 'pleased' despite heavy defeat to North Ribblesdale RUFC
Harrogate Pythons RUFC head coach Roy MacKay said he was "extremely pleased" with his side's performance against North Ribblesdale despite seeing them suffer a 47-0 defeat.
The Starbeck-based outfit kicked-off 2024/25 with four consecutive victories, but were beaten by Beverley last time out prior to this heavy loss at the hands of the Yorkshire One leaders.
“This was a true test against the unbeaten league leaders," MacKay said. "They quickly showed why they are top of the table with a display of skill and control for the full 80 minutes, which was something that we have not encountered before.
"However, I was extremely pleased with the way that we battled to the end. Our heads did not drop and had this been last year the score might well have been double.
"There are times when you have to applaud the opposition but at the same time acknowledge a really gutsy performance by our boys.”
Promoted from Yorkshire Two last season, Ribblesdale's speed in both attack and defence caused the Pythons problems throughout Saturday's game and they raced into a 21-0 lead courtesy of three converted tries inside the opening quarter of an hour.
'Gate eventually managed to get a bit of a foothold in the game, but then, against the run of play, the away side turned the ball over on their own 22 and scored a breakaway try to make it 28-0 at the interval.
The second half opened with some promising play from the Pythons with George Booth, Hugh Tatlow and Luke Korba all instrumental in carrying the ball towards the Ribblesdale line.
But, the league leaders remained resolute in defence while managing to add a further three tries at the other end of the pitch.