Clinical performance from ten try Tykes
Leeds Tykes extended their season-long unbeaten run by putting their gutsy opponents to the sword, running out as 66-15 victors. The 10-try demolition was arguably their best attacking display of the season giving the home support much to be optimistic about in 2024.
Man of the match, Kieran Davies, who notched up a brace on the day, insists his side won’t be getting carried away. “It’s probably our most clinical performance this year. It’s also very pleasing to show the supporters the kind of rugby we know we can produce on our day. We have previously let teams back into games too easily, so it’s nice to put this one to bed in style. Although there’s a lot of talk, as there always is when teams do well, it’s important that we just take one game at a time and the rest will take care of itself come the end of the season.”
The charismatic fullback led from the front, amassing a terrific 26 points in total to round off a brilliant personal performance.
Not wishing to take too much credit for himself, the Welshman was quick to praise his teammates for what he described as a ‘clinical collective display.’
Echoing these sentiments, Director of Rugby, Pete Seabourne said: “I’m really pleased with the overall performance. Hull Ionians may be down on the ladder at the moment but there’s never a bad Ionians side. Credit to them, they played some good stuff at times. However, we were clinical and focused throughout, scoring some great tries second half, which allowed us to show what we are really about. As ever, we must keep improving and take all these positives into next week.”
The first of Leeds’ 10 tries came through utility back Charlie Venables, who found himself on the end of a free-flowing team move. For many observers, that alone would have been worth the admission price. The well-worked nature of the opening score set the tone for what, was in most parts, an exhibition of attacking rugby. Davies missed his first conversion attempt but later went on to score eight of his next nine attempts, paving the way for what turned out to be a commanding victory.
Other Tykes scores came from the fleet-footed Seremaia Bai Turagabeci, whilst fellow backs Jacob Mounsey and Will Hardwick also crossed. An honourable mention goes to Aarin Yorke, who was the beneficiary of strong work by the pack. Several instances of ‘right place right time’ gave the hooker three almost identical tries in the space of twelve minutes either side of the break. Ionians got on the scoreboard when they were able with Lewis Minikin contributing two-thirds of his sides’ overall 15-point tally. Sam Pocklington also touched down with an opportunist score from the base of a maul.
Final score 66-15
(HT 24-8)
Match centre
Our scorers
Thanks to Ben Cropper for our match report
