West Leeds 24 – 24 York
Winter rugby is a joy to watch when played like this, even if the conditions are Arctic, writes Glenn Broadbent.
West Leeds started the game with a brilliant kick-off from the returning Dale Breakwell leading to good work from the forwards. After three minutes of pressure York conceded a penalty and West’s were 3-0 up.
It says something of the game when the first scrummage didn’t come until the 15-minute mark, again York wilted and gave away a penalty which to their relief was missed.
The sides cancelled each other until the home side extended their lead with another penalty in the 26th minute 0-6.
Just three minutes later West Leeds were in top form with a team try, the conversion failed 11-0.
York hit back on thirty-five minutes with a catch and drive try 11-5.
The home side replied straight from the re-start with a converted try 18-5.
As the first half drew to a close an imaginative kick pass found Calderwood who kicked on to put York under pressure and forced a 5 meter scrum, the visitors gave away yet another penalty and West Leeds took the lead to 21-5 HT.
York found their feet and began the second-half on top. West Leeds weathered the storm and came close but a miss handle changed the game. York latched onto the loose ball and kicked long and with a converted try closed the gap to 21-12.
West’s rallied and gained a penalty under the posts 24-12.
The home side were tiring and on 66 minutes it was game on as York forwards pressure put West’s on the back foot, try. 24-17.
York scented blood and well into added time they got a deserved equalizing try and conversion.
Full Time 24-24.
A great game which both side deserved something out of.
West Leeds return to National Cup action next week with a trip to Newcastle where the face Novocastrians with a place in the quarter finals at stake.