Sat 16 Apr 2022, 15:00
Leeds Tykes accomplished ‘Part A’ of their National One survival mission by claiming a bonus point victory against Plymouth Albion, according to Head Coach Jon Callard.
Both sides started the game with real intensity. The pulsating action began when Tom Williams spotted a gap in Plymouth’s drift defence to score. Charlie Venables added the conversion.
Albion profited from Leeds’ failure to deal with the restart, going through the phases to create a try for Torin Clarke. Fly-half Thomas Putt duly converted.
Venables hit the target with a penalty to edge the Tykes back in front before a moment of individual brilliance from Paddy Case extended the lead. The lively centre spotted space in Plymouth’s 22 and had the awareness to chip over the top. He hacked on again and touched the loose ball down just before the dead ball line.
On 28 minutes, the Leeds backs combined again with Harry Jukes rounding off what appeared to be a training ground move; Venables was unable to convert.
James Salter reduced the deficit for the visitors and Putt converted the driving maul score.
As the interval approached, Venables got over for the bonus point try as Will Smith burst the line and exploited numbers wide. The winger converted his own score to put the home side in charge.
Albion reverted to type in the second half and three further tries from Salter followed as their experienced pack rose to the fore.
However, Leeds were not going to let this one slip and responded with tries from Jake Brady and Venables respectively.
Tom Putt slotted a last gasp penalty to ensure Albion left north Leeds with two points in tow. The Tykes showed great character to cling on for a priceless win.
Speaking after the game, back-rower Will Smith said, “We exploded into the first half and got our rewards today. It was a good performance from one to fifteen with everyone playing their part. There are lots of smiles on faces which bodes well for the three remaining games.
“It’s not about the league table. We just need to look after our own performance and the rest will take care of itself.”
In the words of a happy coach: “Today the boys got their rewards for the effort they’ve been putting in all year. We went into the first half with a clear game plan, executed it and scored four tries, which is very pleasing.
“There were moments in the second half where I feared their heads may have dropped as Plymouth came back into the game. However, we dug deep and saw it through. That’s the first bit of our challenge completed, onwards and upwards.”
Photo courtesy of John Ashton
