Sat 26 Feb 2022, 14:30
Birmingham Moseley clung on to claim a narrow victory in Yorkshire, despite an encouraging second half display from the Tykes.
Initially, the visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of possession with a penalty from Dan Lewis, followed up by two quick-fire tries from Seb Nagle-Taylor and Sam Pointon. Fly Half Lewis converted both expertly in blustery conditions.
Nice interplay between Tykes’ forwards and backs bamboozled the Moseley defence, with Tom Williams scoring out wide.
The aforementioned Lewis struck a penalty from 25m to give his side a 15-point advantage at the break.
Revitalised, the Tykes came out fired up for the second 40, with a Charlie Venables penalty on target 4 minutes in. A rampaging run from Will Smith, backed up by a surging Tobi Ademakin created an attacking position. However, as they looked to ship the ball wide, Moseley’s Oliver Allsopp intercepted and ran the length of the pitch to score between the posts. Lewis converted.
Venables then demonstrated neat footwork, leaving the Moseley defence bewildered. He converted his own try to give his side a sniff of victory. However, two minutes later, the faultless Lewis nailed a 3-pointer.
Will Smith intervened once more, grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck to force his way over from close range. Unfortunately, Venables’ conversion cannoned off the upright.
The home side dominated the latter stages as their superior fitness showed. A tap penalty from lively debutant Tautvydas Krasauskas enabled Xavier Valentine to secure a try bonus point, whilst Venables ensured Leeds would claim a further point for finishing within 7; just reward for their endeavour.
Speaking after the game, Head Coach Jon Callard said: “We are naturally frustrated with the result, the inconsistency of some of the decisions didn’t help our cause. I have full belief in our ability to climb up the table. We must remain positive and push on.”
