HARROGATE RUFC stopped the rot with a hard-fought 21-15 success against local rivals Wharfedale, a win that was earned on the back of some heroic all-round defence and the driving pack play.

After nine defeats in ten Harrogate were staringNational Two relegation in the face. Though still deep in trouble, if they continue to play like this, they will escape.

But the Claro Road faithful know not to take anything for granted, though it appears clear-the-air talks between players and coaching staff have had the desired effect.

Wharfedale, despite having a glut of ball possession, were firmly rebuffed by the Harrogate defence. The mood was set early on when wing James Tapster sent Simon Horsfall back two or three metres with one hit.

The rest of the backs tackled, tackled and tackled again and the pack, whether defending or rumbling forward, was immense.

All the open rugby came from Wharfedale who, strings pulled by Kiwi stand-off Dan Snee, ran at every opportunity, led by long-striding centre Chris Malherbe. But all the tries came from Harrogate, courtesy of the rolling maul.

It might not have been pretty but it was mightily effective as New Zealand lock Brendan Back opened the scoring in the fifth minute.

Lee Cholewa added a penalty 18 minutes later.

Jonathan Davies kicked the first of three penalties but in the final three minutes of the half Harrogate employed the rolling maul again to devastating effect as Andy Boyle and Wiri Raihania were driven over.

The second half saw two more Davies penalties and a dropped goal by Cholewa as Wharfedale mounted numerous attacks in vain.

Updated: 10:37 Monday, January 24, 2005