Sat 4 Sep 2021, 15:00
On the opening day of the National Division 1 season, Leeds Tykes played with confidence and understanding. It wasn’t enough to overcome a strong performance from the league’s other debutants. Discipline and finishing were the Tykes downfall.
Leeds Tykes started the league in the same manner as they finished their successful Ventur Cup campaign by attacking their opponents. After a couple of penalties, prop Xavier Valentine opened the scoring from a driving maul. The 5-point lead was soon cancelled as Taunton took advantage of a penalty where they opted to kick to the corner and scored a converted try.
The Tykes reaction was immediate as Ben Dixon and Harry Robinson scored with Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley converting both. Tykes needed to dig in and showed some good defence until a series of penalties resulted in an Isaac Dalton try for Taunton. Harry Jukes secured the Tykes bonus point try following a few phases of attacks from the backs. Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley converted from the touchline. Before halftime, Charlie Venables slotted a long-range penalty and Taunton gained their 4-try bonus point. At half time, the score was 29-26.
Periods of pressure from home side came to nothing except for Taunton’s Samuel Prior getting a yellow card. Against much of the run of play, Taunton scored a penalty and a try. Leeds were determined to catch-up though found finishing difficult with one attempt being held up on the line.
Final score 29-41.
Director of Rugby, Phil Davies said: “I’m pleased with the enthusiasm everyone showed. We’re a young team and disappointed with the result. There is lots to work on, including tidying up on our discipline. We can capitalise on the level of understanding amongst the boys and their confidence.”
Captain Jake Brady added: “We scored some good tries in the first half. We had threats all over the place, so we need to make sure we finish the opportunites and fix our exits to stop giving points away after we score.”
Attendance: 320
Photo courtesy of John Ashton - check out John's matchday gallery
