Tykes rain on feisty Flyde’s parade
Many thanks to our match sponsors – The Three Horseshoes
Leeds Tykes withstood Fylde’s expansive first quarter to take another step towards the National 2 North title.
The hosts were the first to trouble the scoreboard operator, after being awarded a penalty try on three minutes. Fylde’s David Fairbrother saw yellow for collapsing the maul.
The visitors, although reduced in number, sprung into life with two well-crafted tries from Adam Lanigan and Freddie Reader respectively. Will Hunt converted the first but missed the second.
Adam Brown got over for his now trademark driving maul try, his twenty-second of the campaign to keep himself at the top of the division’s try-scoring chart. Seremaia Bai Turagabeci converted to reclaim the lead.
Although Fylde continued to threaten, neither side looked likely to score again before the interval. That was until Tom Williams forced his way over at first receiver from a dominant scrum on thirty-nine minutes. Turagabeci’s extras gave Leeds a nine-point advantage at the break.
Jack Smith was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on five minutes into the second half. Will Hunt dragged Fylde back into contention by converting the resulting penalty. Firm Tykes’ defence kept the fourth-placed outfit scoreless for the remainder of the game.
Leeds’ bonus point try came in obscure circumstances, with the official evidently signalling Fylde had held up the Leeds’ attacking maul. However, after consultation with his assistant referee, he awarded the try to much confusion.
Veteran prop Toby Williams scored the final try of the game just past the hour mark as the heavens started to open. The rain intensified as the match closed out, adding an extra layer of challenge for both sides. The conditions put pay to the final stages as a contest, with players and supporters relieved to hear the referee call time on proceedings.
Speaking after the game, Director of Rugby, Pete Seabourne said: “It’s another job done with maximum points. Credit to Fylde who came to test us at times and proved tough opposition for the full eighty minutes.
“Our scrum and lineout were dominant and proved key to our success. We have a well-deserved week off now before heading into the final block of games.”
On behalf of everyone at the club, Pete also paid tribute to centre Ben Dixon on the happy arrival of his baby, and Head Coach Pete Lucock who celebrated his wedding this weekend.
Lock Louis Guthrie added: “That was a tough game and the conditions made it harder. Fylde did really well. The rain kind of changed the way you play, naming it more favourable for the forwards. Fylde stuck at it, especially at the scrums towards the end. It wasn’t a brilliant game but amongst the forwards, it was a good feeling that we won.”
On his own performance and return to the Tykes after a few games at the end of last season, Louis explained: “I took a couple of big shots today. I’m settling into the squad quite well but I’ve loads to learn. It’s a step up after 3 years at Leeds Beckett and I am looking forward to kicking on in the men’s game and developing as a player.”
⌛ Final score 35-15
⏳ (HT 21-12 )
👈 Your Leeds Tykes scorers
ℹ️ Match centre
📈 Check out the league’s stats
✍️ Thanks to Ben Cropper for our match report
You can win a one at our final home match v Harrogate on Friday 11 April
🚨 Possible supporters’ coach for our season finale!
Heading to our final match of the season against Tynebridge on Saturday 26 April?
If there’s enough interest, we’ll be running a supporters’ coach – the perfect way to travel with fellow fans and make a day of it!
✅ All the key details
✅ The really important bit – tell us if you are interested!
👉 on this page
