Slow start leaves Leeds chasing the game
Leeds Tykes’ four-match winning run came to an end as Bishop’s Stortford claimed a 19-31 victory at The Sycamores after a clinical display from the visitors. The opposition seized control early and rarely loosened their grip, while Leeds were left to reflect on an afternoon where poor handling, defensive gaps in open play and an over-reliance on kicking from hand repeatedly stalled their momentum.
Bishop’s Stortford struck first and never relinquished control, building a commanding lead before a late Tykes rally narrowed the final margin. The visitors opened the scoring early when their forwards drove relentlessly from close range, Tristan Smith forcing his way over after sustained pressure. The conversion was missed but the away side continued to dictate territory and tempo.
Their dominance soon told again. A powerful driving maul set up field position before Toby Hill crossed for a second try, this time converted by David Hayes. Leeds struggled to find rhythm, with several promising attacks halted by handling errors and resolute Bishop’s Stortford defence.
The third try arrived after slick handling across the backs released Asa Stewart-Harris under the posts, Hayes adding the extras to stretch the lead to 0-19. The Tykes thought they had responded shortly before the break when they crossed the line, but the effort was ruled out for a forward pass. The Hertfordshire outfit quickly gained their try bonus point as Alexander Rayment finished after sharp interplay.
The home side finally broke through in the second half. Ben Dixon broke the line before finding Will Dennis, whose offload sent Lucas Walsh over in the corner. Bishop’s Stortford soon added to their score when Tom Hitchcock crossed after a sweeping move across the pitch. Hayes added the extras.
Leeds refused to fold. Eddie Crossland scored a well-worked try under the posts, which he converted. This gave the West Yorkshire side momentum before a converted third late score by Will Yates cut the deficit further.
A yellow card for Bishop’s Stortford’s Austin Pope in the closing minutes raised hopes of an unlikely comeback, but the visitors held firm. A final turnover of a Tykes’ scrum in an attacking position brought the contest to an end and sealed a deserved victory.
Speaking after the match, Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “First of all, I would like to pay tribute to Matt Salter, who sadly passed away this morning. He was a good competitor who was well-liked up here in Leeds. He worked with James Phillips in the past down at Bristol. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him, his family and everyone at Clifton Rugby Club. It’s a real shame – the news has shocked everybody at the club.
“The game was frustrating. For the first five minutes we didn’t get going – we were poor. Then we got back into it and, while we didn’t score, we started to create chances. We showed how we can play. In the second half we got better, but it was frustrating not to get a try at the end and come away with two bonus points. Fair play to Bishop’s Stortford for coming here and doing a job on us today.
“But again, our thoughts are with Matt, his family and friends tonight.”
Forwards Coach James Phillips added: “He was my captain at Bristol when I first started there. I was called with the sad news this morning. I’m devastated.”
Many thanks to Ferndale Pharma who were our match sponsor.
Seth Eley was Leeds Tykes Player of the Match. The POTM is sponsored by Horsforth Brewery and was chosen by Ferndale Pharma.
Seth said: “Obviously I’m buzzing to be Player of the Match. But it was a tough result today. I think after winning 4 on the bounce, it’s always tough to keep momentum going and I’m annoyed that we couldn’t get the 2 bonus points at the end. It was a good game that I enjoyed, and physical. But we came out of the traps slow and then couldn’t claw it back at the end.”
