HARROGATE sank to a second successive National League Two defeat at 22-15 but the bonus point they secured at hosts Newbury may prove priceless come the end of the season.

They took the game to Newbury and were ahead after just five minutes through centre Jamie Barker in. The hosts levelled only for scrum-half Mark Chester to dart over, Lee Cholewa converting.

Newbury kept plugging back and in the second half took command despite some desperate defensive work from Harrogate.

All Harrogate had to show for their brave second half effort was a Cholewa penalty, but at least that reduced the gap sufficiently to give them the bonus point.

Harrogate will travel south again next week, to fellow strugglers Esher, where a win is a must.

Updated: 10:46 Monday, February 21, 2005