Gryphons suffer 13-27 defeat – Pitch invasions cut short match by ten minutes
The University of Leeds’ rugby union team were unfortunate to be on the losing end of a spirited and physical encounter which would have been dubbed a ‘tale of two halves’ if one half had not been shortened as a result of disruptive and unruly behaviour by many of the fans who were in attendance. The Gryphons appeared to be shifting momentum their way and (though I will not conclusively say that they were going to win the match in the end) the team were certainly let down by many of their fans who disrupted the play and blighted the university’s resurgence.
The polytechnic side began with a furious intensity that the men in green struggled to cope with. Though the university team tackled fiercely, Beckett drove on with serious intent; an early penalty which was kicked to the corner displayed their confidence going forward. After eight minutes of defending well, the Gryphons conceded their first penalty try for collapsing the scrum and lost their first player to injury: tighthead prop Oli Lamprell was taken off for Tommy Pritchard. For much of the first half, the Gryphons struggled to heap pressure on their opponents as they continued to make knock-ons and give away penalties at the scrum. This meant that despite the best efforts of scrum-half, Lewis Hall and full-back, Ethan Allen (both of whom were outstanding all game) their attack lacked continuity.
At the 25-minute mark, Leeds University number 8 Oli Holt was given a yellow card for a tackle that was deemed to be high. Consequently, the Gryphons were a forward down and thus unable to win first-phase ball and really compete at the breakdown. The side however coped with this unfortunate period and went into the tunnel at half-time just ten points down.
Beckett again started the half in the best way possible as winger, Hutson went over for a scintillating try that was created by the skilful delivery of their fly-half. At this point the University crowd became noticeably more agitated as the chants became less about cheering our team to victory and more about class-based snobbery. The Gryphons however did not seem put-off by any of this and quickly hit back with a very dominant period which (sadly) would soon be hindered by the raucous nature of the supporters. The university team were able to gain quick ball from the breakdown and using an effective system of hard-hitting runners and wide-balls, soon won territory and penalties. The score was 6-20 when, in the 62nd minute Leeds centre Cameron Hudson showed his tremendous pace and power, making a break which set up Allen for a well-deserved try.
With the score at 13-20 and with the Gryphons looking like they could claw back a victory, the match descended into an embarrassing display of alcohol- fuelled idiocy. It is rather tragic that this poor conduct is even worth reporting on, but sadly it played such a crucial role in the day’s events. No less than eight people (most of whom were students at the University of Leeds) decided to bring the game to a grinding halt by exposing themselves on the pitch and even attempting to run into players. As a result, Beckett remained in the Gryphons’ 22 for a solid five minutes and were eventually awarded a penalty try, as a visibly confused and frustrated university team, collapsed the rolling maul.
The final score was 13-27 and meant that Leeds Beckett had once again won varsity, this year with a close score of 30.5-27.5 overall. Afterwards The Gryphon caught up with a visibly distressed captain, Luke Harris. Luke praised his team in the second half, claiming that he was very proud of the way they responded, especially the boys in the front-row. Commenting upon the behaviour of the crowd, Luke acknowledged that when Varsity and alcohol are involved one expects a certain level of rowdiness.
However, Harris did say that he was rather gutted that the match had to be cut short as the pitch invasions certainly disrupted the flow of the game. Leeds were in the ascendency before the interruptions and the captain believed that if the final ten minutes were able to go on unimpeached, then his side’s fitness would have shone through; the team had worked tirelessly in pre-season. The University of Leeds can be proud of the performance of its Rugby Union team. It is just a shame that it cannot be proud of its fans.
James Candler
Featured image: The Gryphon