Harrogate deserved more than a National Two 13-13 draw from a forward-dominated game against in-form Nuneaton.

Harrogate played with a strong wind behind them in the first half, which gave them territorial advantage. Harrogate fly-half Matt Duncombe controlled possession well and put over a penalty after five minutes when Nuneaton strayed offside.

Nuneaton's only foray into Harrogate's half produced a penalty for fly half Glackin.

After 15 minutes, good approach work by Erven, Hall and Sarjeant set up centre Barker for a well-deserved try under the posts, Duncombe converting.

Slack tackling by the Harrogate defence allowed Nuneaton's powerful full-back Peacock through for an unconverted try.

A 10-8 lead to Harrogate at half-time looked fragile as they turned round to face the wind.

Referee Geraint Roberts struggled to control Nuneaton's robust play in the rucks and mauls. He yellow-carded one player from each side in the closing minutes of the first half then sin-binned Harrogate's hooker Erven five minutes into the second.

Despite being down to 13 men Harrogate were highly motivated and produced another penalty for Duncombe and a 13-8 lead.

Nuneaton's pack used their driving maul got prop Hopkins to cross only for full back Peacock's conversion attempt to hit an upright.

Updated: 10:24 Monday, February 09, 2004