Leeds limp to loss
With just over a quarter of the match played, Leeds Tykes had a revamped backline and three ankle injuries. Back-rower Connor Walker and flanker Lucas Walsh found themselves on the wings. These obstacles sowed the seeds for the National 2 North champions to slip to just their second defeat of the season, falling 21-12 against a spirited Tynedale side who produced a fine final-day performance.
It all started brightly for the visitors. A slick move down the right wing saw Ewan Laughton, who had replaced Harrison Abraham a minute earlier, cross for the opening try. Kit Keith added the conversion to put Leeds 7–0 up after just eight minutes. At that stage, it looked like business as usual for the away side. But from there, Tynedale grew into the contest and edged their way on top.
By the 19th minute, Tynedale were level when sharp handling carved open the Tykes’ defence, allowing Joe Beaty to run through and score a try between the posts, converted by Cam Grant. Leeds showed flashes of their class, spending spells inside Tynedale’s 22, but time and again they turned the ball over at crucial moments.
Grant’s kicking proved decisive after the break. The full-back slotted three penalties in a 12-minute spell to stretch Tynedale’s lead to 16–7, with Leeds struggling to gain any meaningful foothold. Leeds attempted to up the momentum: Charlie Venables spent much of the match trying to break through the Tynedale defence, Alex Pleasants and Jake Brady put in crunching tackles, while Tom Williams found himself smothered by the opposition whenever he tried to run or kick the ball away. Matters worsened for the Tykes when they were robbed of possession on the edge of their 22, and Seamus Hutton raced away to score in the corner.
The Tykes struggled to reach the Northumberland outfit’s 22. Although a late try from Lucas Walsh in the 74th minute gave Leeds a glimmer of hope to salvage something from the match, Tynedale maintained their grip until the final whistle to deny the champions a victorious finish.
Despite the defeat, Leeds Tykes can look back on a remarkable campaign, while Tynedale’s spirited display will live long in their memory.
Speaking after the game, Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “We’ve had a great season, but to have a rejigged team with people playing out of position and three possible broken ankles against a very difficult team to break down, this was a game too far. It is a disappointment to lose, but losing only two games all season is an achievement to be proud of.
“We got promotion. We’ll take some time off and then start again. Thanks to everyone; players, staff, supporters for your backing this season.”
Kit Keith made his fiftieth appearance for the Tykes. He explained: “It was not quite the game I wanted to play in, but the boys stuck at it. We’ve had a great season and we’re going to have a celebration now, so all’s good.”
Captain Adam Brown added: “Today’s game was tough. Tynedale are really good – you can tell they’re a well-drilled team. It didn’t help that we lost three of our backs in the first 20 minutes. But the boys dug deep and I think we put up a good fight – it wasn’t the best of games”.
“We lost today, but over the season, we’re champions. It’s the best the group has felt in such a long time, and hopefully we’ll have a bit of time to refresh and relax, then push on next season.”
End-of-season awards night information