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21
Nov
Harrogate director of rugby rallies players ahead of local derby
Harrogate RUFC director of rugby Jake Brady has called for more from his players ahead of this weekend's derby match against York.
The Aces are fourth in the Regional 1 North East League (R1NEL), having been relegated last season, and are eight points behind league leaders Heath.
But with five points on offer for each win, the gap could quickly be reduced.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret this week about his team's start to the season, Brady said:
I’m pretty happy overall. If we look at the performances, we’ve improved as the season has gone on. We’re probably about 20% better than we were in the first few games, and we can continue to improve.
I would have hoped for a little bit more than six wins out of eight, though.
Photo: DKKaptured
Harrogate’s two narrow losses came against Penrith and Heath, the first coming just two games into the season.
Brady was not disappointed with his side’s performances in either game and says if Harrogate played Penrith now they’d “get a very different result”.
When we spoke to Brady in September, he admitted Harrogate’s lack of friendlies had limited their match fitness.
But this week he insisted this was not a factor in their early-season loss at Penrith. He said:
We were sharp enough to play, but I changed quite a lot when I came in. There’s always going to be a dip after that while they adapt to a new style. The attacking shape has completely changed, as has the game plan and strategy.
It’s a risk in the short term, but a no-brainer for the long-term development of the team.
Exciting league
The R1NEL was an unknown for Brady as he entered his first season in charge of the club. He had previously only managed in higher divisions.
And the rugby has been very different. He said:
In the divisions above, most teams play the same way. There are lots of teams playing different styles in this league. Some like to throw it around and be quite loose, others like to play up-the-jumper stuff and like to go over the top of you. I really enjoy that diversity.
With four teams vying for promotion, competition is fierce.
“There are 30 blokes on the field, all playing for pride,” Brady said. “You’ve got to earn your victory, no matter what league you’re in.”
Harrogate's fixture against York this weekend will be no different.
The two sides have met twice before, in 2023 and 2024. Harrogate are yet to win a game.
With York struggling this year though, Brady says his team are confident going into the fixture, and that he's looking forward to a 'tasty' match.
Harrogate RUFC line up before their match against Ilkley this month.
Club spirit
When Brady rejoined Harrogate in June, one of his main aims was to get more people involved with the club. He feels this is happening.
On November 8, when Harrogate converted a last-minute penalty to beat second-placed Ilkley, the club had three separate teams playing at home together.
Brady said it was the first time in a long time that they’d achieved this.
The support wasn’t bad either. The clubhouse went through its entire winter supply of Guinness in one day.
Another ambition was to win promotion this year, which is still possible but currently out of their hands.
If Heath were to lose against Harrogate and win the rest of their games, they’d win the league.
Brady said he'd be the “first one to ring up and congratulate them” if Heath did finish first.
If Harrogate don't secure automatic promotion, a home playoff game would generate a lot of interest.
Jake Brady (left), Harrogate RUFC player-manager.
'It's hard to balance, but I love it'
As with previous club Leeds Tykes, Brady has adopted a player/manager role in Harrogate.
He said:
It’s a great club to be a part of, and I’m enjoying playing with my brother too. He’s taken his game to another level this year. It’s hard to balance playing with being the director of rugby, but I love it.
At the end of the game, no matter how we’ve played, the players are looking to me as the director of rugby. I have to give them answers and do my job after the game. It’s always easier when you win, but it can be difficult because emotions are high.
Brady says he has a system of checks and balances in place with the coaching staff to ensure they take him out of the starting squad if necessary because “I’d play with my arm hanging off”.
His experience and leadership could be the difference in the battle for promotion.
But for now, the focus is on travelling to York tomorrow (Saturday, November 22) and getting a result. Kick off is at 3pm.
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