Leeds 22 – 63 Durham
A spirited Gryphons performance was not enough to subdue a Durham side in rampant form, largely regarded as one of the best teams in the country won in convincing style, scoring 7 tries in the process.
Leeds made a promising start to the game with Alex Beaumont scoring the opening try after a quick break down the left wing, which Alex Losowski duly converted. Durham responded well, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and it only seemed a matter of time before the Gryphon’s try line would be breached.
After sustained Durham pressure, they made their efforts count as a forward broke from the scrum 10 yards out to go over the line. The Durham fly-half converted in what was a man-of-the-match performance, kicking 20 points. The Gryphons went on to concede a further four tries before half time, through a combination of fast breaks, a rolling maul and an easy finish after an intercepted pass. The score at half-time: a resounding 30-10. Leeds started the second half brightly, with the defensive line looking a lot stronger.
However any chance of a Leeds comeback was halted after Durham scored their 5th having again intercepted a pass. This sparked the Gryphons into life as they enjoyed their best passage of play as Alex Beaumont scored his 2nd try of the match, finishing a superb flowing move. James Twomey scored the Gryphons 3rd and final try soon after the re-start, reacting quickest after a loose pass as he kicked the ball across the length of the pitch to bring a degree of respectability to the scoreline. With the result beyond doubt, Durham took off some of their better players to rest them for the next game.
Currently top of the Northern 1A League, last years Champions look good to repeat the feat. Durham’s fresh legs proceeded to run an injury depleted Leeds ragged as they scored a further three tries in the last 10 minutes. The final score 63-22 to the visitors. The Gryphons have had a slow start to the season winning only one league game. They play Leeds Met next week and Nottingham the week after, two games they should win. If they don’t relegation is a very real threat.
Author: Joe Bookbinder