Harrogate RUFC registered a much-needed win in their bid to escape relegation from National League 2 North.

The Apollo Capital Stadium side narrowly defeated Hull Ionians 35-23, securing a much-needed five points and reducing their gap from safety to two points.

Losses for Hull RUFC and Preston Grasshoppers see the Aces gain ground on the two relegation contenders.

Harrogate took an early lead through second row Jack Gilmartin’s 11th-minute try, with Rory Macnab converting for the full seven points.

Hull’s Lewis Minikin halted the Harrogate celebrations soon after, when his try and subsequent conversion levelled it up after 15 minutes.

Harrogate’s other second row, Samuel Brady, crossed the try line on 35 minutes, with Rory Macnab again converting. 14-7.

Just before half time Hull kicked back again, this time with Lucas Powell securing five more points for his side. But a missed conversion from Minikin saw Harrogate go into the break with a narrow 14-12 lead.

William Hill’s try and a further Rory Macnab conversion saw Harrogate extend their lead after 45 minutes. Hull fought back again – a converted penalty from Minikin and an Allan Hudson try saw them go within a point of the hosts, but another failed conversion from Minikin prevented them from taking the lead.

The visitors took the lead for the first time in the match with 20 minutes to go. Another converted penalty saw Harrogate behind by 21-23.

Nine minutes later though, after mounting pressure from the home team, Brady once again crossed the whitewash. Rory Macnab was in no doubt when he converted for the fourth time.

A final late try from Lucas Walsh which was converted for the fifth time by Rory Macnab ensured that the Aces would take all five points with a 35-23 victory.

‘Another home win is exactly what we needed’

This win comes after an extremely disappointing result away at fellow relegation candidates Sheffield Tigers last week.

Club chairman Mark Garrett said: