Match report 7 December

Tykes join three-way league lead with narrow Tigers win

Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne couldn’t hide his delight after seeing his side come through a tumultuous battle in atrocious conditions. A win by the slenderest of margins puts Leeds firmly back amongst National 2 North’s pacesetters. 

Onlookers could be forgiven for being more interested in the scoreline elsewhere, given that two of Leeds’ main rivals at the summit were battling it out at Abbeydale Park. True to the pre-match weather forecast, this game was always going to be affected by The Sycamores’ blustery conditions. 

The tense encounter was evidenced by Leeds taking over thirty minutes to get into their rhythm. Mark Ireland’s penalty broke the deadlock early for Sheffield with Leeds penalised for offside. 

When Leeds eventually needed to employ the scoreboard operator again, Kit Keith was the try-scorer, crossing from close range on the back of a strong driving maul routine. James Watts added the all-important, and ultimately decisive extras. 

Ireland was successful again from the tee, narrowing the gap to a solitary point at the interval.  

The second half was a similarly tight encounter with much of the third quarter testing the Tykes’ defensive resolve. They had sharpened up their rearguard actions after grinding out victory the previous week at Fylde; they were able to employ such tactics here on the way to ensuring another narrow victory, which was equally as significant. 

After multiple phases of energy-sapping defence, the Tykes’ capitalised on the disjointed formation of their South Yorkshire visitors. When play broke down centre field, they used slight of hand to regain possession, a barn-storming backrow surge laid the foundation for Ewan Evans to be released down the wing; he duly added the finish to give Leeds extra breathing space. 

Not to be outdone, Tigers responded with an incisive piece of wing play as William Barker raced clear to score. With Storm Darragh still lingering, the otherwise strong Ireland failed to convert as the wind held the ball in the air and then sent it back to the kicker, ensuring Leeds stayed narrowly in front. 

The remainder of the match was uneventful with handling errors common as the game became a victim of the atrocious conditions. Nonetheless, the Tykes’ character shone through as they held on for what may turn out to be an invaluable win. 

Speaking after the game, a delighted Seabourne added: “We got the job done and are pleased with the win, especially considering what we woke up to this morning. Full credit to both teams for applying themselves in horrendous conditions.

“We defended really well in patches. Attack-wise it wasn’t the best, both teams held the ball and worked hard. To get that one over the line in these awful conditions is very pleasing.”