A last-minute hat-trick try by centre Jamie Barker and a 100 per cent kicking display by fly-half Lee Cholewa ensured a 34-32 victory for Harrogate in their forward-dominated National League Two game at Nuneaton.

Cholewa put over a 40-metre penalty in the first minute but Nuneaton soon replied with a converted try for fly-half Paul Glackin and a penalty.

Harrogate lifted their game in the second quarter and from close range Barker forced his way over for the first of his three tries.

With the last move of the first half Nuneaton kicked for touch from a penalty and from the lineout their forwards, led by Darren Garforth, forced their way over in the corner for a 15-10 lead at half time.

Harrogate's best quarter came just after the break. Barker sprinted 60 metres for his second try, followed by a try by debutant winger Dave Mugan, who carried several defenders over the line with him. A penalty upped the lead to 27-15.

Nuneaton regained the initiative and the lead with three tries from their powerful pack and one conversion. But Barker completed his hat-trick when he followed up a kick ahead and charged down the attempted clearance to score in the corner and Cholewa's conversion from the touchline won the points for Harrogate, who did well to come away with a victory against a side which other teams will find difficult to beat at home.

Updated: 12:52 Monday, November 03, 2003