West Leeds RUFC 1st IV v Roundhegians
On a wet and windy afternoon West Leeds took on fourth placed Roundhegians at Blue Hill Lane. The pitch was is great condition considering the recent downpours, writes Glenn Broadbent.
Wests set off at a great pace and the ball was soon in the hands of the home team’s forwards, who caused Hegians no end of problems, their pack going backwards with regularity.
Penalty after penalty ensued. On just 10 minutes the forwards presented Captain Sam Neave with good ball and he broke through four tackles to register the first try of the afternoon which was duly converted by Dale Breakwell.
Two minutes later the visitors pack was demolished again which led to a two-player interchange by the Roundhegians coach in an attempt to shore up the front eight, this was not to be. Struggling on their own line the opposition were forced into an illegal clearance resulting in a penalty try, which was easily converted. Wests led 14-0.
A period of home domination followed and on the 33rd minute a converted penalty saw the home side increase their lead to 17-0.
As the first half was drawing to a close Hegians rallied with two converted penalties by Alex Jones on 38 and 40 minutes. HT 17-6.
The 2nd half followed much the same pattern with James Damarell scoring a converted try from the back of the scrum on 56 minutes making it 24-6. On 72minutes man of the match Ste Anderson added a pushover try which was soberly converted by Dale Breakwell. 31-6.
That was the end of the scoring in what turned out to be an entertaining game in which Roundhegians can be congratulated on their tenacious tackling and never say die attitude. A note of thanks must also go to the referee who allowed the game to flow as much as possible in the difficult weather conditions.
West Leeds remain unbeaten, picked up another bonus point and remain top of Yorkshire Division 2.
2nd XV Beaten at Selby
The 2nd team’s unbeaten run came to an end in what can only be described as a dreadful game. Selby pushed the laws to the limit and beyond.
When one of their supporters alluded to the rules one can only think he was referring to those set out by the Marquis of Queensbury as the game of rugby has laws. Tit for tat penalties and play well below the level of arrogance shown by the hosts took us to a half time score of 12-5.
The second 40 minutes were little better and final score ended 19-10.
Selby can be a difficult place to play but this display did little for the game of rugby. We hope for a better entertainment in the return fixture on March 12th.
Next week sees the 1st xv travel to Barnsley while the 2nds welcome Wharfedale to Bluehill Lane.