Leeds reign in the rain!
Leeds Tykes claimed a bonus-point victory over Dings Crusaders, delivering a composed performance in torrential conditions. Handling was difficult throughout, but Leeds’ accuracy in key moments proved decisive.
The match began with both sides attempting to adapt to the persistent rain, which made early phases disjointed. Leeds, however, settled more quickly and established control through a series of advantages. Their pressure was rewarded when Max Thatcher finished a well-executed catch-and-drive, a move that set the tone for much of the first half. With the forwards carrying purposefully and the backline kicking intelligently for territory, Leeds repeatedly forced Dings onto the back foot.
Momentum continued to build when Dings’ George Boulton was shown a yellow card, allowing Leeds to capitalise on the extra space. From just inside his own half, Sebi Krippner produced what is becoming his trademark: breaking through the defensive line, ducking, diving and weaving past multiple defenders to score. Seremaia Bai Turagabeci added the conversion to extend the lead.
Dings responded commendably despite the conditions, taking advantage of a defensive lapse for Evan Morris to cross in the corner. Their confidence grew and, following sustained pressure in the red-zone, Boulton made amends for his earlier infringement by touching down, with Lewis O’Grady adding the conversion to level the scores.
In the first half, the Tykes had far more territory and possession, but Dings were much more clinical with the chances they had for the score to be 12–12 after forty minutes.
After the interval, Leeds regained the initiative. Long periods of possession on the moist surface allowed them to build pressure, and Louis Guthrie powered over after Eddie Crossland reacted quickly with a sharp tap-and-go. Turagabeci converted, and soon after added another two points when Lucas Walsh finished clinically from the 22 to secure the bonus point.
As the rain worsened, the match became increasingly fragmented. Leeds were disrupted when Charlie Venables was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, giving Dings a late opening. Harry Rowson took advantage with a well-finished try out wide, though the missed conversion denied the visitors a losing bonus point.
After the match, Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “A really pleasing performance against a really good, tough opposition. Conditions were poor for both sides, but I thought we managed both halves really well. In the first half, we played up the hill and controlled field position for most of it. We scored two nice tries, but then just fell off with a couple of lapses in defence. During the second half we really picked it up and played the right areas at the right time. We scored at the right times, and we defended really resolutely.
“I’m really pleased for the players because they’ve put a lot of hard work in. Seth Eley made his debut and came straight into the team rather than take a spot on the bench, and played like that even though he played 70 minutes for Leeds University on Wednesday. He and Max Thatcher, both joint players of the match, are really good prospects. Again, Max coming in after being with us for a while but not playing, and doing what he did today, is fantastic. I’m over the moon with the 5 points.”
Max Thatcher and Seth Eley were joint Leeds Tykes Players of the Match. The POTM is sponsored by Horsforth Brewery. Alistair McDonald, Ward Hadaway’s Business Development Director, presented Max and Seth with their awards.
Tye Raymont and Seth Eley receiving their club ties on their debuts, presented by DoR Pete Seabourne and Forwards Coach James Philips
And what debuts! POTM for Seth and some bone crunching tackles from Tye.
Phillsy has recently been sponored by Allstal Engineering. Tye and Seth are available to sponsor. For sponsorship opportunities please contact us.,
