Acklam RFC 3-27 West Leeds RUFC
West Leeds travelled to North Yorkshire with a much depleted squad, writes Glenn Boradbent. A few followers suspected this could be a banana skin, as Acklam put up a great show at Blue Hill Lane earlier in the season.
The first half proved a scrappy affair with neither side dominating, Wests’ managing two penalties to go in at half time 0-6 up.
With Acklam trying to fight off relegation and the second-placed visitors having York breathing down their neck anything could happen.
West Leeds took the initiative and extended the lead early on 0-13 and ten minutes later added another converted try 0-20.
Acklam persisted and were reward with a penalty which was converted 3-20.
Wests replied six minutes later with a converted try 3-27 and despite spirited attempts from both sides that was the final score.
With no bonus point this could have seen the gap between second and third narrow but a shock defeat for York at Beverley saw Wests move five points clear of their promotion rivals. The remaining fixtures for the Blue Hill Lane side are all difficult so nothing can be taken for granted.
Acklam are rooted to the bottom of the table but must have some hope of survival if they continue to show resilience and play in the disciplined way they do.
West Leeds 2nd team took on Sheffield Tigers 2nd XV (National League North 2) at the Lane and were unlucky to lose 17-19 with the last play of the game.
With so many players moving from 2nd to 1st team West Leeds fielded what could be described as a social side.
Next Saturday West Leeds take on Cumbrian side Aspatria in the Quarter Final of the National Intermediate Cup, KO 2.30pm.
This will be the most difficult game this season against a side who come with a fierce reputation.
A victory would leave Wests just one game away from a third consecutive Twickenham Final.
Again, nothing taken for granted, but you can be sure the club are aching to get back to HQ.