HARROGATE moved convincingly into second place in National League Two as they ran in eight tries in a 60-13 demolition of struggling Lydney at Claro Road.

The first half scoring came from an exchange of two penalties separated respectively by a try in the corner from Harrogate wing James Tapster and an immaculate touchline conversion from in-form fly-half Lee Cholewa.

Both sides struggled to develop a flowing pattern of play in the first half with frequent handling errors and Harrogate's half-time lead was restricted to 13-6.

The home side raised their game after the interval and Harrogate coach Ralph Zoing was delighted with his side's professional performance in the second half.

Harrogate's seven second-half tries were real crowd pleasers with centre Jamie Barker running in two more of his trademark scores after powerful breaks in the centre.

Prop Paul Gabriel broke from a lineout and ran 20 metres for his try, which was soon followed by tries from Cholewa and flanker Richard Wade, who both broke through the Lydney defence from close range.

Lydney were determined to take something from the game and a period of sustained pressure led to a try for Alan Chapman, which was converted by Adam Westall.

With only two minutes remaining there was still time for a try from

Harrogate's Rhys Morgan, coming on as replacement for his first game following an injury. With only seconds left Tapster followed up a long kick ahead and won the chase for his second touchdown.

Updated: 09:37 Monday, November 10, 2003