Aireborough 17, Harrogate Pythons 10

Aireborough returned to winning ways in SSE Yorkshire Division Three at Nunroyd Park against a spirited Harrogate Pythons team on Saturday.

All the early pressure was created by the hosts but a solid Pythons defence denied them.

Losing the ball in the opponent’s half was the home side’s first mistake and they were punished by a good, long-distance try in the 13th minute.

Aire exerted pressure again, and ten minutes later Nick Holdsworth ran a perfect line to level the scores.

Hooker and captain Nick Jackson then crashed over the line after an excellent spell of forward pressure seven minutes later, Holdsworth adding the conversion.

However, a poor kick from defence once again gave the opposition the ball in space and Pythons narrowed the lead.

On the cusp of half-time, good work at a scrum allowed Aire winger Stu Williams to force his way over in the corner.

A 17-10 lead at half-time saw the Aire faithful thinking a win and a bonus point could be possible.

However, after a first half in which they had kept the ball, Aire surrendered possession too easily or kicked it away.