Discipline decides as disruptions deliver defeat
Leeds Tykes fell to a 7-19 defeat against Rams RFC in a hard-fought contest shaped by ill-discipline, with too many disruptions preventing either side from finding rhythm.
Rams opened the scoring when Morgan MacRae crossed after patient build-up, Michael Cooke adding the extras. The visitors’ forward dominance threatened more points, but the Tykes held firm and went into the break only one score down, despite losing Eddie Brown to the sin bin midway through the half.
The second half began brightly for Leeds. Just three minutes after the restart, Ben Dixon made a surging run to score a fine try, converted by Eddie Crossland to level the score. With momentum building, the home crowd sensed an opportunity – but a flurry of yellow cards swung the balance. Leeds were stretched for much of the final quarter when Tom Collins, Aarin Yorke, and Will Dennis all spent time off the field, forcing the front, second rows and backs to be re-jigged to allow scrums to be played.
Rams capitalised, opting for that set piece when penalties were awarded. Zac Clow scored with 10 minutes to play, followed shortly after by Max Hayman powering over from a maul. Cooke’s second conversion gave the visitors a decisive cushion. The home side came close to narrowing the score when they overturned a Rams line-out and Crossland broke clear. He found Dixon, who looked set to score, but the move broke down and Will Yates was shown a yellow card.
Leeds showed grit in defence and flashes of attacking intent, but errors at key moments, combined with long periods undermanned, left them unable to close the gap. The crowd, vocal throughout, noted several refereeing decisions with bemusement – particularly at the breakdown – though Rams’ composure in managing territory and possession was ultimately the difference.
While the Tykes will be frustrated by the result, influenced by controversial calls that added to their disciplinary tally, the fight and energy shown in patches will encourage them as they look to bounce back.
After the match, Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “Although we were at the end of a wrong result again, I thought the effort and endeavour from the players was outstanding. The officials had a big influence on the game. Going down to 12 did not help us – they scored two tries. It was 7 apiece for much of the time and that shows how we are getting there. I’m proud of the players because of the performance they put in and the resilience they showed. We are getting there.”
⌛ Final score 7-19
⏳ (HT 0-7)
👈 Your Leeds Tykes scorers
ℹ️ Match centre
🙏 Thank you to our match sponsors, Titan Wealth. the match is sponsored by Titan Wealth, our Premier Partner.
Jonny Teague was the Leeds Tykes Player of the Match. The POTM is sponsored by Horsforth Brewery. He was chosen by today’s match sponsors, Titan Wealth.
After the match Jonny said: “I’m really proud of the boys; they put in a real Titanic effort when you have that many in the sin bin and it’s defend, defend, defend. A few silly errors let them into the game. Clifton next week, a big game. We can turn it around with the same effort and less mistakes.
“It’s nice to be Player of the Match but I’d rather we won and I’d played terribly.”
Jonny is sponsored by Sheena Yull.
