HUDDERSFIELD’S Academy knew that only a bonus point win at Yarnbury would give them any chance of taking the northern Divisional title, despite having won more games than their rivals Old Brodleians.
Ross Thornton opened the scoring for Huddersfield after five minutes with a try in the corner following a strong run, but after that opener, Yarnbury spent the next 15 minutes camped in the visitors’ 22 thanks to a string of minor offences resulted in penalties.
Yarnbury, however, were unable to break through Field’s defence, and eventually the visitors cleared the danger and prop Paul Armitage barged over the line after a break by Elliot Knight, and Sam Hirst’s conversion gave them a 12-0 lead.
In the second half Huddersfield still struggled to find top gear, but they were still too good in defence for the home side and extended their lead with the best try of the game when full-back Robbie Wilson made a weaving run from outside the 22 and took two defenders over the line with him for a great solo try.
Hirst added the extras for a 19-0 lead, but they still needed another touchdown to seal the bonus point, and it came 10 minutes from the end, when captain Henry Ward went over.
Although it was the result Huddersfield wanted, it turned out to be just not enough as Brodleians won their final game to sneak the title.
Huddersfield now play Sheffield (winners of the southern conference) away in the League play-off on March 27.
Before then however, they have a massive Yorkshire Cup quarter-final tie this Sunday (March 20, ko12.30pm) when Wetherby are the visitors.
