Men’s Rugby Union Leeds Uni 1sts 7-40 Loughborough

It was a disappointing end to an otherwise good match for Leeds on Wednesday. The home side were the first to score and everything looked even in the first half. However, things took a turn for the worse in the second half that left the Gryphons well behind. The match ended 40-7 to Loughborough but the score does not reflect Leeds’ good play.

The opening stages of the match were fiercely contested by both sides. Neither one seemed to hold sway and the no one was allowed any sustained entry into their enemy’s 22.

Leeds were exceptionally strong in defence and prevented Loughborough gaining any attacking momentum. The first big break in the game came for Leeds as Seb Lumsden stole a Loughborough line out and broke through the defensive line to score a sensational try.

Lack of discipline was affecting Leeds though; they gave away a penalty deep in their own 22 and Loughborough used it to good effect, breaking the line with a tap penalty and driving over the line for a try.

The Loughborough pack were immensely strong, they dominated in the scrums, which were saved by the good work of hooker George Wheeler. However their strength in the pack came into good use late in the first half as they drove over the line again, making the score 7-14 at the end of the first half.

Loughborough continued their strong attack in the second half but it was held back well by Leeds. The start of the half mirrored the start of the match with neither side gaining much ground but the contest being fierce. The away side drew first blood this time, they won a good line out and then provided a massive push over the line to score yet another try.

Leeds were struggling to hold onto possession now, they held the ball nicely and got deep into the enemy half but when gifted with a penalty they opted to go for the three points. Showing a lack of confidence in their attack, this was made all the worse by the fact that they missed the kick.

The Gryphons’ defence was strong, they never gave away much ground at any one time but Loughborough moved forward slowly. The pressure was not affecting them as Leeds were unable to put a stop to them and force the errors. Using this slow but steady method they scored two more tries making the scoring 35-7.

Leeds showed some good attacking play in the final minutes, beautiful work in the hands gave them some good ground but a lack of discipline lost them possession. The final killer error came in the last minutes when Leeds had a line out well within their 22 but opted to take it quick before their players were really ready. Loughborough turned the ball over quickly and ran the ball in for a try under the posts, a good try to end a disappointing second half.

Nick Gandy 

@gandinator