HARROGATE preserved their promotion prospects with a tight 12-11 victory over lowly Wharfedale, who now move closer to the relegation danger zone.

Both teams are capable of playing much better rugby than they showed but with the lead changing hands four times there was plenty of excitement to interest the large crowd.

Wharfedale had first advantage of the slope from the kick-off and within three minutes full-back Jonathon Davies comfortably kicked a penalty from 30 metres out in front of the posts.

The Harrogate pack dominated play for a ten-minute spell and on 25 minutes the ball was released to the backs for centre Jamie Barley to force his way through the resolute Greens defence to score his first try for Harrogate.

Wharfedale's decision making was generally poor but replacement scrum-half, Birch chose to kick ahead and put Harrogate's full-back, Rhys Morgan, who normally plays scrum-half, under pressure. The Wharfedale support was quicker than the Harrogate defence and sustained pressure eventually created just enough space for prop Ingram to crash over from two metres out in the left corner.

Both teams appeared nervous and tentative in their play as defeat would have severe consequences for league position for the remainder of the season but Harrogate's forwards always looked capable of taking control.

Both defences were solid with Harrogate No7 Mike Worden, playing in his 100th League game, the most outstanding tackler.

Playing down the slope in the second half Harrogate looked more confident and within three minutes their superior forward power produced a try for No 8 Richard Wade wide on the left which fly-half Lee Cholewa converted to give Harrogate the lead once more.

After six minutes, Harrogate second row John Dudley was adjudged to have shoulder charged an opponent and was banished to the sin bin for ten minutes.

During this time Wharfedale spurned two overlaps on each wing and wasted scoring opportunities, but before Dudley returned, there was just time for Davies to kick a penalty following a Harrogate player being caught offside in front of the posts.

Harrogate dominated the remainder of the game and were relieved to come away victorious with two vital League points.

Updated: 11:06 Monday, December 30, 2002