1st XV v Brodleians: Yorkshire Shield second round
This was by far West Leeds biggest test so far this season, writes Glenn Broadbent.
Welcoming a strong Yorkshire Division One side to Blue Hill Lane on a cold and wet Saturday afternoon this was winter rugby at its best. Not a game of two halves more four quarters.
The game took a while to get going until a strong run from Sam Neave in the 14th minute broke the deadlock allowing Dale Breakwell an early doors conversion to make it 7-0.
Just 4 minutes later Scott Coyne picked up at the back of the loose and dived over for the try which was converted by Breakwell. 14-0.
On 21 minutes the visitors dominance in the forwards was starting to be obvious resulting in a try from Manu which was converted by No 8 Oliver Ackroyd (who said forwards Can’t kick?) 14-7. It was beginning to look like a points fest was on the cards but it was another 9 minutes before the scoreboard moved again, Breakwell converting a stellar penalty. 17-7.
Six minutes later the visitors pack peaked with a 50 meter rolling maul resulting in a try from Harley Morris which was not converted. 17-12.
With Wests down to 14 men due to a sin bin offence Brodleians took advantage and converted a penalty from distance. HT 17-15.
Brods were in the ascendancy for the remaining 7 minutes of the 1 player advantage, taking the lead on 43 minutes with another Ackroyd penalty making it 17-18.
Intelligent use of the interchanges by West Leeds coaches calmed the scrummaging situation. West moved back into the lead with a Breakwell penalty – 20-18.
Five minutes later following a period of play inside the West Leeds 22 a mistake was seized on by Keir (Dales Cousin) Breakwell and he went the length of the field to score under the posts allowing Dale an easy conversion. 27-18.
Brodleians threw everything at the game but the home side held on to move into the next round 27-18. Full Time.
Another Division One side dispatched and the reward a home tie against Bradford Salem, also from t’league above.
Despite the effort and entertainment on the field my nomination for man of the match must go to Lorraine Christopher who remained in post in the Media Gantry fighting the elements to video the game, highlights of which can be viewed here later in the week. A box of Bovril is on its way Lorraine.
2nd XV v Bradford and Bingley
North and West Yorkshire Championship Merit Table
Home and away for the seconds.
This game was scheduled to be played at Blue Hill Lane but pitch congestion meant a neutral venue was needed and finally the University Grounds at Weetwood hosted the game.
West Leeds took a 5-0 lead into the 2nd half with a try from Andrew McKenna but the introduction of two former National League 2 players by the Bees changed the game and they came away with a 27-5 victory and a bonus point.
Next week the 1st team travel to Sheffield Medicals while the seconds are really at home to Keighley.
