Sat 19 Mar 2022, 15:00
Leeds Tykes, awash with injuries, put up a brave display against a resolute Darlington Mowden Park; the lack of an accomplished goal kicker proving pivotal.
The visitors had much the better of the first half, the Tykes’ ill-discipline gifting Park territory on numerous occasions. Mowden amassed a commanding lead, getting 16 points in-front whilst Tom Collins was in the sinbin. Benjamin Frankland’s opening try was converted by Oscar Yandall, the flyhalf slotting a penalty either side of the try to put his side in control.
A Tobi Ademakin try on the stroke of half-time gave Leeds hope of a characteristic second half revival. Charlie Morgan added the extras on an otherwise forgettable day for Leeds’ stand-in kickers.
Substitute Will Hardwick came on to give Leeds some speed from the base, later crossing for two opportunist tries. The second of which saw the hosts take the lead, something which seemed an impossibility at the break. In between the scrum half’s efforts, winger Seremaia Turagabeci touched down out wide. On all three occasions, the extras went begging in tricky conditions.
In tense closing stages with both sides knowing the importance of a win by any means necessary, Park seized the initiative with Leeds again reduced to 14; Talite Vaoileti forced his way over between the posts. The faultless Yandall struck the decisive conversion to the delight of Park’s travelling support.
Remarkably, the Tykes were given the chance of a last gasp reprieve. However, Turagabeci’s penalty attempt drifted wide.
Speaking after the game, Head Coach Jon Callard said: “Credit to the boys for the style of rugby we played in the second half to claw our way back into the game. Unfortunately, a technicality let us down as we couldn’t take the points on offer. We all feel for Seremaia who isn’t a regular kicker and shouldn’t really have been in that position.”
