Leeds bowled aside as Plymouth press on
Leeds Tykes were edged out by a ruthless Plymouth Albion side at Brickfields, despite a lively first-half showing that kept the promotion-chasing hosts in check.
Under a cloudless sky and blazing sun, the Tykes made the brighter start. Lucas Walsh finished sharply after sustained phases of recycling for the opening try, with Eddie Crossland adding the extras to settle early nerves. Albion responded quickly, going wide to level behind the posts, setting the tone for a high-tempo, evenly contested first period. Walsh struck again to underline Leeds’ attacking threat, while Seremaia Bai Turagabeci scored out wide after clever interplay as the visitors traded blows effectively.
However, Albion’s control at the set-piece began to tell. Dominance at the scrum and a steady flow of penalties allowed them to build pressure and convert territory into points. Tries from Rhys Williams, Noah Fenton and Huw Taylor ensured the hosts edged a 21-17 lead at the interval.
The game turned decisively after the break. Albion increased the tempo and punished errors. Fenton crossed for his second before Williams completed his hat-trick as the hosts seized full control.
The away side continued to battle and were rewarded with a second-half bonus-point try from Alex Green, converted to briefly stem the tide. But Albion’s fluency proved decisive, with Oscar Stewart adding further gloss and Iwan Jenkins converting all but one of eight tries.
For Leeds, the spirit and attacking intent were clear – but inaccuracies and pressure at the set-piece ultimately proved costly as Albion powered past the 50-point mark. The final score was 54-24.
Speaking after the match, Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “First of all, congratulations to Rotherham, who have become worthy champions over the season. I think they’re the best team. Obviously also to Blackheath and Plymouth for reaching the play-offs. Commiserations to the three teams that have gone down; Leicester Lions, Sedgeley Park Tigers and Clifton Rugby. For Birmingham Moseley in the play-offs, I know it’s tough. It’s been a tough league. It’s been a tough year.
“Today, I thought we were outstanding. We’ve had some really good stuff and then some dumb stuff, which just shows how far they’ve come from the start of the season, where we didn’t look anywhere near Plymouth. For a long period today we put them under pressure, forcing them into some errors. We got on top of them and, with a bit more composure at times, we could have got somewhere close. It’s been a long season, been a tough season, but, you know, we’ve got the rewards. I thank the supporters, and everybody at the club and connected to the club – you’ve been with us through thick and thin. Today’s always been about the supporters, so thank you.”
Fly-half Eddie Crossland added: “After a long journey yesterday, I thought we started quite well going in at half-time. Then Plymouth came out all guns blazing and it ended up 50-something, 20-something.
“It’s been a season of ups and downs. Going on the five-game winning streak when we did it was good and important. We came together when we got beat and were grounded, sticking with each other, and there wouldn’t be any other players I’d do that with.”
Coming up
Join us at our end of season awards lunch on Sunday 3 May.