West Leeds 50-10 Aspatria
West Leeds RUFC powered into the semi finals of the National Intermediate Cup with a convincing victory over Cumbrian Club side Aspatria, writes Glenn Broadbent.
Wests were dominant from the off and nearly went over the line in the third minute but resolute defending from Aspatria kept them at bay.
It was the visitors who scored first with a penalty on their initial visit into the opposition half on 11 minutes
0-3.
West Leeds hit straight back with a penalty of their own and Aspatria saw the first of a few yellow cards. It must be said this was not a dirty game, most were for technical offences.
The Cambrian’s made occasional visits into home territory and gain two penalties both of which were missed.
West Leeds continued to pile on the pressure but the opponents defence stood strong until the thirtieth minute when following strong forward pressure the backs took advantage and scored the opening try of the afternoon, an excellent conversion made 10-3.
The forwards continued to work hard and eventually after a series of scrums near the visitors line they cracked and a penalty try was awarded, the conversion in front of the posts was a forgone conclusion (I bet Don Fox thought that, the poor lad). 17-3. HT
At this point if someone had offered me odds of 20-1 on Leeds adding another 33 points I might have been tempted to stick a couple of quid on it, but no more.
Everything changed on the 45th minute when the reds saw red and were reduced to 14 men following a sneaky punch seen by the touch judge.
Aspatria continued with spirited defence for another 17 minutes until more ferocious forward play gave the backs a chance to display their passing skills for 24-3.
The floodgates opened with tries on the 67 and 70 minutes taking the score to 36-3.
Aspatria hit back with a converted try on 74 minutes for 36-10 and went close a few minutes later, but there was to be no comeback.
Wests latched onto a loose ball and replacement Mammen raced from his own half only to spill the ball while being tackled, but the ball was picked up and Wests added another seven points 43-10.
With the game drawing to a close West Leeds were awarded a penalty and quick think from D Breakwell saw a cross-field kick pass land in Marshalls hands and he was in for another try the final action saw it converted 50-10.
West Leeds head to their 3rd consecutive national semi-final, again they will be away with a visit to Midlands based Silhillians on 15th April.
2nd XV lose – but win
The 2nd XV went down 12-26 to Keighley at a home fixture played at Bramley Phoenix due to pitch congestion. They could afford to lose by less than 17 points, so the last few minutes were twitchy.
The result means mean they have won the Yorkshire North Championship Merit Table, a fantastic achievement. They now play off with the South Merit Table contenders for promotion.
Thanks to Bramley, who made their facilities available for this fixture.