Leeds Tykes’ second-half surge seals success
In an entertaining but often scrappy encounter between two evenly matched sides, Leeds Tykes were second best for large periods of the game, with promising attacking opportunities often undone by unforced errors and poor decision-making. However, a storming start to the second half turned the contest on its head, as Leeds dug deep to secure a narrow victory over a defiant Bishop’s Stortford.
The visitors started the stronger, with number eight Reggie Hammick opening the scoring. Fly-half Ben Morrow missed the conversion attempt. Leeds fought back gallantly as Ben Turpin broke wide before feeding the onrushing Matt Salisbury, who scored his ninth try of the season to maintain his fine start to the campaign. Eddie Crossland added a wide conversion.
Four minutes later, the visitors hit back through Seva Kava, who broke through a gap in the Tykes’ defence, evaded several defenders and touched down out wide. Morrow added the conversion to extend their lead to 7–12. Hooker Alex Rayment crossed for the first of what would turn out to be a hat-trick of tries after 38 minutes, extending the visitors’ lead.
The final attack of the half was gifted to Leeds when a Bishop’s Stortford player, believing the referee was about to blow for half-time, kicked the ball into touch near his own 22. The reprieve gave Leeds the opportunity to launch one last attack, with Kristan Dobson breaking through the Stortford defensive line and arcing on a fine run to touch down out wide. Crossland added another fine conversion to narrow the gap to 14–17.
In Leeds’ first attack of the second half, Ewan Laughton scored under the posts, running a fine support line from Ben Bailey’s lung-busting line break. Within seven minutes, Leeds had added two more tries through winger Albert Bradshaw and centre Matt Salisbury to put themselves in relative control, despite Crossland missing both conversions. Alex Rayment added his second try of the game on 53 minutes to seal his side’s try bonus point.
Bradshaw crossed for his second try and Leeds’ final score of the game, giving his side some comfort at 36–24. However, Bishop’s Stortford weren’t finished and crossed for another score as Rayment completed his hat-trick with a converted try to bring the score to 36–31. The visitors pushed hard in the closing stages, launching a series of attacks in search of the try that would have earned them at least a draw. However, Leeds stood firm, producing a resolute defensive display to withstand the pressure and secure a hard-fought victory.
Speaking after the match, Director of Rugby, Pete Seabourne, said: “First of all, I’d like to congratulate Charlie Venables and his new wife Millie, who were married this morning.
“We are delighted to come away with victory and a full five points. It was a close game between two evenly matched sides, which we are pleased to come out on top of. The win ends the first block of our season well and sets us up nicely going into difficult matches to come. The boys now get a well-deserved week off to rest up ahead of a difficult trip to Rams the week after.”
Recent signing Jack Hamilton has made an impressive start to life at Leeds Tykes, featuring in every game since joining at the start of the season. We caught up with Jack to find out how he’s enjoying his rugby and settling into the squad. James said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been really good fun and very intense, but the boys are doing really well, and it’s good to get four wins out of seven so far. I was thrown in at the deep end by playing straight away, but it’s been a nice challenge. I think I’m holding my own, and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
⌛ Final score 36-31
⏳ (HT 14-17 )
👈 Scoring for Leeds Tykes
ℹ️ Match centre
🙏 Thanks to Ben Cropper for our match report
Jonny Teague was Leeds Tykes’ Player of the Match. Here’s Jonny being presented with his celebratory bottle of fizz by Quinn Allen (international baseball player and guest of Chair Alastair Da Costa), with Commercial Manager Rob Crawley.
Jonny said: “It was a really tough game. We’ve done it the hard way over the last couple of weeks, and we need to start quicker. Our game management needs to improve, and our decision-making needs to be better. But I’m thrilled to get the win and chuffed to be named Player of the Match. I’m looking forward to the break, coming back a bit fitter and stronger.”
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