Smithies sets appearance record

Captain Ed Smithies set a new record of 223 league appearances for Harrogate in the 15-14 win over Leicester Lions.

The full-back, 29, joined the club 10 years ago and played his first game at Scarborough in the annual sevens event.

Graham Siswick, director of rugby at the National Three North club, told BBC Radio York: "He's been a tremendous stalwart for the club.

"He's proud of the record, and rightly so, and hopefully he'll go on to add many more appearances."

Smithies is a former schoolmate and Wakefield teammate of Harrogate goal-kicker Lee Cholewa, who first brought him to Claro Road in 1999.

He certainly winds the boys up before the game

Graham Siswick on Ed Smithies

Siswick added: "At the top of his game, his coming into the line, taking passes, finding space, that's helped him dramatically, and he's got an eye for the gap.

"He's scored 91 tries, which is not a bad record from 223 appearances at full-back.

"He's a very committed player, he's captaining the side for the first time this season and he's brought that commitment and drive to those playing around him.

"We've got generally a young side, he's the ender statesman, and he's in quite a good position at full-back to see the way the team is performing in front of him.

"He's not lacking vocally when it comes to giving encouragement or giving them a bit of a hard word, and he certainly winds the boys up before the game.

"He's been very, very good for Harrogate and long may it continue."