After a narrow defeat to Loughborough in the season opener, Leeds went down once again as Durham took a 14-4 victory at the Edge on Tuesday night.
The visitors had finished second in the Premier Division last year so the Gryphons knew to expect a tough match in the pool and the defence were soon called into action. The Durham attack moved the ball around quickly as they searched for the opening goal, stretching the Leeds defence from side to side.
With 4 minutes on the clock the first goal was scored and it had been on the cards, as the visitors finally found a free man who made no mistake when given the chance. With Ed Scott in goal for the home side they always stood a chance of getting back in the game if they could just get their attack in gear. Scott saved 2 penalty shots in the match and numerous other one on one attempts, making it easy to see why he was called up to the Team GB squad for the 2012 Olympics.
Buoyed by Scott’s heroics, Leeds started to claw away at the defecit. With some neat build-up play, they finally reaped their rewards and got the game back to 4-2, their second goal being a superb backhand effort past the helpless goalkeeper. As the second quarter commenced the scores were still tight, and a powerful attempt by Simon Morton-Grant kept Durham’s lead at only 2 to keep the pressure on.
The second half was a different story as Durham took the other hand – their quick breaking abilities and excellent distribution from the goalkeeper meaning they profited from Leeds’ wayward attack, as they countered numerous times to good effect. With seconds to go Leeds grabbed a late consolation penalty, but Durham were by far the superior team and fully deserved their 14-4 victory.
With Scott in goal Leeds will always stand a chance in this division, but a trip to last years Premier Division winners Edinburgh next week will not be easy. Leeds to however know what it takes to overcome to Scottish side, having taken a 13-3 victory the last time the sides met.
Adam Le Roux
Image courtesy of Sam Lewis