John Liley far from downbeat following Harrogate Pythons RUFC's loss at high-flying Dinnington RUFC

Saturday’s loss was the Starbuck-based club’s fourth in six Yorkshire One outings this term, though they gave a decent account of themselves against opponents who boast a 100 percent record.

“We travelled to the league leaders full of confidence following our victory against Beverley in our previous game,” coach Liley said.

"Our performance demonstrated the ability we have, as we broke through their defence on several occasions. And, with greater composure, we could have kept the score-line closer throughout the game.

“Our never-say-die approach enabled us to gain a four-try bonus point and, with the last play of the game, we had the opportunity to go for the second losing bonus point.

“This didn't quite come off and therefore the final score doesn't really provide a true reflection. But, we are very much looking forward to our next run of league games and the opportunity to put things right.”

Ben Pryor kicked a second-minute penalty to open the scoring at Dinnington, but the hosts responded quickly with three converted tries to take a 21-3 lead.

The Pythons crossed for the first time in the match when Hugh Tatlow secured line-out ball and Freddie Abrahams, Eddie Wilkinson and Harry Smith combined for Harry Jackson to finish.

Smith added the extras to narrow the gap, however Dinnington added a couple more touchdowns for a 33-10 half-time advantage.

The league leaders scored again early in the second period before the Pythons hit back through McGowan after Tatlow, George Booth, Harry Butler and Joel Missedine had all been stopped just short.

An attempted clearance kick was then charged down by Rhys Cory, and Smith was fastest to react, touching down and converting himself for 40-22.

Dinnington were next to cross the whitewash, after a well-executed catch-and-drive from a line-out, but again ‘Gate reacted well and Butler powered over from five metres out following a spell of controlled phase play.

Their bonus point secured, the Pythons kept pushing and Smith released Max Sharp, who timed a perfect pass for Connor Spence to finish in the corner.

Smith’s conversion made it 47-36 time running out, but knowing that another try would narrow the gap sufficiently to earn them another bonus point, the visitors ventured forward once more.

However, a pass was intercepted by a Dinnington player, who ran away to score and wrap things up for the hosts.