Harrogate RUFC sink derby rivals Otley RUFC as they make perfect start to life back in National Two North

The Aces, who were promoted from North One East via the play-offs at the end of last term, got their 2026/27 season up and running with a 24-21 derby success at Cross Green on Saturday afternoon.

In addition to local bragging rights, the four tries that ‘Gate scored ensured they also bagged a bonus point on top of the four earned for winning their opening-day fixture.

And Harrogate director of rugby Jake Brady said that coming out on top in what is one of the club’s “biggest games of the season” can be “massive” for his players as they look to re-establish themselves in English rugby’s fourth tier.

“I am pretty pleased,” Brady told the Harrogate Advertiser. “Saturday was always going to be one of our biggest games of the season because it was a derby against Otley, plus it was our first fixture back at this level after promotion.

"So to win, to get five points on the board and do it in our local rivals’ back yard as well, that is massive for us.

"Getting off to a positive start is important because it will give the boys some belief and help to show them that we are good enough to do well in National Two.

"I believe that this group can be really competitive this season, but starting out with a result like that is big for the boys in terms of building confidence and momentum.”

Brady’s 22nd-minute try, converted by fly-half Jack Mallinson, set ‘Gate on their way, but Otley hit back with scores either side of half-time to take a 14-7 lead.

Prop Dom Dalby went over in the 48th minute to bring the visitors back to within touching distance, and Mallinson again added the extras to level things up.

Full-back Tom Steene then touched down to edge the Aces back in front, however a converted try saw Otley grab a 21-19 advantage which they managed to maintain up until the dying moments of the contest.

It was at that point that replacement winger Conor Miller crossed to decide matters in dramatic fashion.

But, although absolutely delighted with a five-point return and a winning start to the new term, Brady is adamant that his team could have performed much better on the day.

"We gave up some cheap points and also messed up a few opportunities to have scored more ourselves,” he added. “The game didn’t actually need to be as close as it ended up.

"I haven’t quite been able to put my finger on exactly what the issue was. There might have been a bit of rustiness in there, but I think because the boys were so motivated, they were actually trying too hard.

“At times, I think we forgot the game-plan and forgot what made us so good at the back end of last season. We went away from some off the stuff we usually do so well and were probably playing on emotion.

“So, there are loads of things that we need to be better at. I think we played at about 50 percent at Otley, and the aim his week has to be to make sure that there is a big improvement ahead of our first home game of the season, against Billingham this Saturday.”