LEE Cholewa's return to action sparked Harrogate to a 39-13 victory over Stourbridge in National Two at Claro Road.

The visitors went ahead with a Duncan Hughes penalty, but the home side responded when Mark Erven sold a fine dummy and went over.

Hughes reduced the deficit with a second penalty before Harrogate roared back with a Paul Gabriel try which was converted by Cholewa, who had missed the opening day defeat at Sedgeley Park.

Cholewa was the springboard of most of Harrogate's attack and he was in the picture again when he raced over from 25 metres for another try which he also converted.

Stourbridge had little answer to Harrogate's free-flowing attacks but they had a tough back row and the home side were forced to defend well at times.

Harrogate's forwards hit back wiith a series or driving mauls which slit open the Stourbridge defence and Andy Boyle went over for another try which was goals by Cholewa to put Harrogate 26-6 in front.

Stourbridge managed a try from McLaughlin which was converted by Hughes, but Harrogate took advantage as Stourbridge started to tire and Oliver Cook carved his way through space in the visiting defence for James Tapster to release Mike Worden for a try.

To crown a fine all-round performance, Ed Smithies scored a try in his 100th league appearance and Cholewa completed the scoring with a penalty.

Leeds Tykes got off to a poor start in their Zurich Premiership campaign when they were beaten 32-44 by Bath at Headingley.

Director of rugby Phil Davies has much work to do after seeing his forwards outmuscled up front.

Leeds did throw the ball about bringing tries for David Rees, replacement scrum half Alan Dickens, No 8 Colm Rigney and Dan Scarborough, but were generally outplayed by Bath who punished the home sides mistakes.

Scottish international Duncan Hodge kicked two penalties and two conversions.

Bath ran in four tries, with Ollie Barclay kicking three conversions and five penalties with Malone dropping a goal.

Updated: 12:14 Monday, September 15, 2003