Sat 15 Jan 2022, 15:00
Despite another gallant display of rear-guard action, Leeds Tykes’ boss Jon Callard was left to bemoan his side’s shortage of attacking invention as they slipped to a 12-7 defeat in Hertfordshire.
The match, played in tricky conditions, was one for the purists with much of the action centred around the middle third. Although the hosts had the better of the early exchanges, it took until the 18th minute for them to break the deadlock. They did so with a try from Will Roberts who ran a great support line for Alex Rayment, who was handily placed to break the defensive line on the back of a faultless lineout. George Cullen added the extras, 7-0.
Cullen was then yellow carded ten minutes later for a deliberate knock on, a move that many thought would spark the Tykes into life. However, Stortford rallied with a man in the bin and came within inches of extending their lead through Joshua Stannard.
Callard must have read the riot act to his side at the break as they came out for the second half inspired. Their upturn in performance was rewarded on 58 minutes as they seized on a loose off-load in midfield, ultimately creating an overlap on the wing for replacement Cole Potts to score. Charlie Venables converted to level the game at 7-7.
Tensions were high as both sides were reluctant to give their opponents the upper hand in the league standings. The home side spent most of the closing stages on the attack. Camped in the Leeds red zone, they twice turned down kickable penalties in favour of pushing for a try. Eventually, the gamble paid off as Stannard crossed for an unconverted yet decisive try on 67 minutes, 12-7.
Speaking after the game, Head Coach Callard said, “I’m very pleased with the grit and determination we showed to still be in with a chance at the end. If you look at where this side has come from and where we are going, it’s very exciting.
“We just need to be more clinical in attacking positions but I’m confident that will come as we spend more time together. It’s just frustrating that the scoreboard doesn’t always reflect the effort we are putting in.”
