Application and learning for Leeds
Plymouth Albion opened their National One campaign with an emphatic away victory over Leeds Tykes, running out 12-45 winners.
The visitors struck early through through Archie Hill, whose try in the corner was converted by Francisco Diaz Dart. A second score followed when Robert Wigginton broke down the flank. Dart added the extras. Leeds worked hard to find a foothold but were undone by their penalty count and Plymouth’s accuracy and physicality.
Further first-half pressure saw Jack Oulton power between the posts. Albion were firmly in control with Jenson Boughton scoring their bonus point try from a series of rucks just before the break.
Leeds opened their account early in the second half. Back rower Lucas Walsh sprinted down the line after taking a pass from Charlie Venables who had broken Plymouth’s defensive line.
Another Plymouth surge saw Ben Moa cut through the Leeds’ line to extend the lead. Dart converted then added a try himself when he sliced through a gap in the Tykes’ defence. Morgan Stone scored from a tap-and-go to complete Plymouth’s points tally. Leeds responded when Seremaia Bai Turagabeci calmly off-loaded the ball during a hefty tackle to allow Will Yates to force his way over in the final minute of play. With Eddie Crossland converting, the home crowd had something to cheer at the final whistle.
Plymouth’s sharp finishing and control proved decisive, while Leeds will take positives from their resilience in the closing stages.
Director of Rugby, Pete Seabourne said after the match: “Disappointed with the result, obviously in the scoreline but overall I’m plenty pleased with how our players applied themselves. It’s a big learning curve coming back up in to National 1 and obviously playing a quality team like Plymouth.
“There was some really good things, but then, some really dumb things as well. So we need to fix them quickly. Lots to build on and a defeat that we’ve not seen for 2 seasons. But it’s a defeat we can build on. We were naive today. The players will learn quickly – we’ll get there.”
Lucas Walsh was the Leeds Tykes Man of the Match. He was chosen by Ollie Williams’ player sponsors, Tony and Angela Burtonshaw.
Lucas is sponsored by Northern Game Feeds Ltd.
