Match report 7 September

Tykes tame Tynedale in ‘far from perfect’ display

The revitalised Leeds Tykes coaching set-up was left wanting more despite seeing their side put North East rivals Tynedale to the sword on opening day. 

Pete Seabourne hailed his side’s overall performance but admitted there was lots to work on if they are to maintain the standards expected for the season ahead.

The hosts needed a shot in the arm, which came from an eighth minute – against the run of play – try from the visitors: William Roberts scoring, with Cameron Grant’s conversion striking the post. 

However, this proved to be just the catalyst Leeds needed to rediscover their ruthless form of last season. 

James Magee levelled the scores after a fine team move came off the back of Ewan Laughton’s quick tap penalty. Debutant James Watts added the first of six successful conversions on the day, whilst being at the heart of everything eye-catching about the Tykes’ attack.

Captain Adam Brown got himself on the scoresheet, running a fine line through the centre channel to edge the hosts further in front. Henry MacNab also went over on the stroke of half-time, only for Watts to miss the conversion as the whistle blew. The composed fly-half tried to speak to the referee as the sides trudged off, with said attempt seemingly charged down too early. His protests fell on deaf ears, leaving the half-time score of 19 – 5.

A frustrating third quarter followed with neither side able to trouble the scoring. However, Leeds was able to live up to their pre-season favourites tag by rediscovering their ferocious streak in the final 20 minutes.

Adam Brown, who had an impressive game in the loose, completed his brace alongside the lively Henry MacNab. Sandwiched in-between were scores from Toby Williams and Charlie Venables. The Tykes support went home happy with a full-time result of 47 – 5 in their sides’ favour; bringing up maximum points in the process.

There was much to be positive about this first league win but Director of Rugby, Pete Seabourne, reiterated his desire for more, adding: “We are pleased with the overall performance as we scored some nice tries however there is much more to come from us. Arguably, the most pleasing thing on the day is the fact that we kept them to just one score. Given the number of new faces we put out today, we have to be content with what we produced, safe in the knowledge that we were far from our best.”

Speaking exclusively to the official website, Rugby Paper Star Man James Watts summarised: “When we played to our system and shape, we broke them down quite well, but we showed signs of being rusty, as is to be expected at this time of year. We finished off some nice tries in spells, but we must stick to the game plan and be more clinical if we are to achieve our collective ambition this year.

“Credit to Tynedale, they defended really well and made us work hard for the result. The scoreline might flatter us a bit but it gives us something to build on ahead of next week.”