Sat 22 Jan 2022, 16:15
Leeds Tykes Head Coach Jon Callard was happy to toast his players’ “effort and endeavour” after their heroic comeback victory over Rams.
The odds were weighted heavily against the Tykes who went into the sheds trailing 7-22; a herculean effort saw them score 18 unanswered points in the second half.
The visitors started like a bat out of hell, securing a try bonus point in the first 40 with scores from Charlie Robson, Tom Vooght, Max Hayman and Connor Hayhow. However, Drew Humberstone found the target from the tee on just one occasion, which his side would later go on to regret in a frantic finale.
The Tykes’ only riposte of the first half came through Jake Brady’s try and Charlie Venables’ conversion. The riot act must have been read at half time as they came out like men possessed, the first reward being a simple penalty, which Venables slotted with ease.
The best try of the game came when a free-flowing move saw the ball pass through most of the Tykes squad before Matt Burke barged over from close range. Venables was again on target to reduce the arrears to just 5 points at 17-22, with 13 minutes to play.
Backed by vocal home support, there were visible signs of collective belief in the Tykes players with a renewed impetus and strong defence. The fans roared as Alex Pleasants’ try levelled the game; somehow, Venables 100% kicking record went awry as a pesky Rams replacement charged down the conversion from point blank range.
Not to be outdone, Venables kept his cool and slotted a match winning penalty in the final minute to send the Tykes fans home with a spring in their step.
After the game, a delighted try scorer Jake Brady said: “It was just reward for a tough week’s training. He paid tribute to the whole squad, who can be mightily proud of this result.”
Jon Callard was equally pleased, saying “The boys responded well to what we asked of them at half time. To come back from 22 – 7 behind to win speaks volumes.”
