Sat 30 Apr 2022, 15:00
A dynamic display from Leeds Tykes saw them returning from Somerset with a comfortable 22-41 victory, maintaining their National One status in the process.
Praising their speed at the turnover, Jon Callard hailed their success a bright day for the club, and one which they can build upon going into the 2022-23 campaign.
In making it a season’s best, three wins in a row, the Yorkshiremen defied the odds to stay up in style. Heads remained high despite going behind early on as they amassed an impressive six try haul.
The hosts opened the scoring through Aron Struminski on his final appearance for the club. However, Leeds responded immediately, securing a quick turnover from the restart to level proceedings with a breakaway score.
Soon after, the Tykes showed their class with another counter-attack. Will Hardwick broke away from deep to cut through the Taunton defence and dot down under the sticks. Charlie Venables added the extras.
Taunton pulled themselves back into contention as they notched up a second try through Sam Prior, which remained unconverted to keep the Tykes in front at 10-12.
Winger Harry Jukes kept up his fine recent form, scoring out wide. Venables’ conversion put the Tykes back in control.
A massive hit from Jake Brady midway inside the Titans’ half gave Leeds possession. From here, they were able to execute a training ground move. The ball was transferred through a couple of phases before Dom Hardman made a break, picking out Tom Williams in space to secure the bonus point. Charlie added his third conversion stretching the lead to 10-26.
Leeds absorbed some pressure within the five-metre zone, but stout defence put pay to Titans’ endeavour.
On the cusp of half time, the lively Hardwick made another incisive break before finding Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley in support to score his sides fifth of the afternoon. Venables obliged with the extras to give a score of 10-33 at the interval.
Taunton took advantage of a few missed tackles in centre field before moving the ball quickly along the line to score. Following the conversion, the scoreline read 17-33.
The game became scrappy as both sides started to wilt in the heat of battle, with the referee taking centre stage to maintain disciplinary standards.
Leeds added an extra three to give themselves margin for error after Taunton were penalised for a high shot.
A Taunton player was given a ten-minute enforced rest after deliberately knocking the ball on in an offside position. Leeds elected to kick for goal from the penalty, but the ball drifted wide of the uprights.
Leeds were awarded two further penalties, firstly opting for the scrum before pointing to the posts. Sadly, the attempt was missed.
Ben Dixon touched down late on but stand-in kicker Seremaia Turagabeci missed the conversion attempt.
Taunton scored a late consolation to finish the game with a try bonus point, but this was all about the visitors getting their just rewards for a strong finish to the season.
Our last remaining league fixture is the rearranged game against Cinderford at The Sycamores. We encourage all supporters to get down there and give the boys a good send off for a courageous campaign.
