Leeds let loose power, pace and precision
Leeds Tykes delivered an assured and clinical away performance to claim a 36-46 victory over Bishop’s Stortford in an entertaining, high-scoring encounter. A powerful middle period of the match proved decisive as the visitors imposed themselves with pace, precision and precise finishing.
Leeds made the perfect start just two minutes in when Seb Krippner read a pass superbly to intercept and race clear for the opening try, with Eddie Crossland converting. Bishop’s Stortford responded quickly through two well-executed driving maul tries from Harrison Langworthy and Jake Morris, both converted by Chris Bolton. Leeds took advantage of the Hertfordshire side’s ill-discipline with Crossland slotting two penalties to narrow the gap before Aarin Yorke powered over following sustained pressure from the pack. Moments later, Henry Macnab finished a smart move that started with a Krippner break and pirouette pass. Crossland added both conversions to give Leeds a 14-27 half-time lead.
The home side began the second half with intent as Alex Rayment rumbled over from close range to reduce the deficit. Leeds, however, hit back immediately. Ewan Laughton took a quick tap-and-go penalty before sneaking over from the base of a ruck, with Crossland adding the extras. Seremaia Bai Turagabeci then produced a perfectly weighted grubber kick that he and Laughton chased, but Reuben Parsons won the race to score.
A flowing passage of backline play followed: Krippner broke, linked with Henry Macnab, who offloaded to Ben Dixon to finish Leeds’ final try, converted by Crossland.
Leeds let Bishop’s Stortford back into the game and were punished for a series of penalties, with Macnab shown a yellow card. The hosts crossed three times late on through Ryan Davies, Cameron Meechan and Tristan Smith, with Dan Cole converting the last one.
After the match, Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “It’s good to come away and give that performance. It wasn’t a full 80-minute performance because Bishop’s Stortford kept going and put us under pressure at times. For large parts of the game, we controlled territory and possession and we scored some nice tries.
“We still have to concentrate on certain areas, but from where we were a few weeks ago to where we are now, we’re an evolving team that’s getting better. Partnerships are developing well. To get a win on the road is fantastic and hopefully we can build into next week.”
Will Dennis reflected: “I thought it was a massive challenge for us coming here. They’re a really good team who can throw the ball about. They have a real off-loading threat, so I think we mitigated those threats really well, managing to build a lead. And it’s a good job we did as they could have very easily come back. Apart from that, we’re really happy with the win.”
On his own game, Will noted he’s looking forward to improving a few key areas and hopes to pull on the No. 3 jersey again next week.
Tom Williams added: “It was a tough game that we started a little bit poorly. We brought it back towards the end of the first half and started the second half very well to build up the score. We did drop off at the end but got that five-point win, so it’s a happy day on the road.”
