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BackSat 21 Mar 2026 ·  National League 1
Leeds Tykes.png&h=60&w=60)
1st XV
53
48
Tries: V Everitt, C Barnes (3), T Kendrick (2), C LloydConversions: C Lloyd (5)Penalties: C Lloyd
Tykes Tip Scales in Own favour
Adam Hookway22 Mar - 17:08
Seven tries apiece but Tykes maximum points to secure National 1 rugby for next season and Tjs do same with two bonus points
The sun was shining brightly for this National 1 Round 23 match up and the game was a very open one with both defences being stretched to breaking point throughout. Neither side dominated for long enough to draw clear and whilst it went to the wire Leeds Tykes did enough to merit the victory and maximum points
The two sides crossed for 4 tries each in a first half where once the defensive line was broken both squads struggled to scramble sufficiently to prevent the scores. Leeds scored first after 5 minutes as their left winger scorched over for the first of his 4 try haul. Tjs hit back with a Vinnie Everitt try but Tykes were back at it shortly afterwards to make it 14-5 before Tjs own left wing flyer crossed for his first after quarter of an hour.
Two quick first tries earned Tykes a bonus point on the 20 minute mark and Tjs needed to rally at 28-12 down. This they did with a try for Barnes and a first for Tom Kendrick, switching to centre for this game, who supported well to score and close the gap to 28-24 at the break.
The second half started with Tykes extending their lead with a penalty and for the next 10 minutes the two sides traded blows but the scoreboard had a bit of breather. But after 52 minutes Tykes were caught napping at the Tj penalty and Connor Lloyd tapped and sniped to score and convert his own try to make it 31-31
Again parity was short-lived as Tykes wingman showed some fancy footwork and pace to score two tries in 4 minutes before Tjs responded with two more of their own as Barnes and Kendrick, who else, finished off Tj attacks. Lloyd added the extras to make it 45-45 with 15 minutes to go. A fourth try for Tykes' winger put them back in front and when they added a penalty after 76 minutes it looked like Tjs were out of it at last.
However a last minute penalty from Lloyd closed the gap to 53-48 to earn Tjs a losing bonus point.
The result leaves Tjs secure in 8th spot with 3 games still to go. They take two weeks off now but return on the 11th April when Clifton are the visitors to The Slade and a 3pm KO
The two sides crossed for 4 tries each in a first half where once the defensive line was broken both squads struggled to scramble sufficiently to prevent the scores. Leeds scored first after 5 minutes as their left winger scorched over for the first of his 4 try haul. Tjs hit back with a Vinnie Everitt try but Tykes were back at it shortly afterwards to make it 14-5 before Tjs own left wing flyer crossed for his first after quarter of an hour.
Two quick first tries earned Tykes a bonus point on the 20 minute mark and Tjs needed to rally at 28-12 down. This they did with a try for Barnes and a first for Tom Kendrick, switching to centre for this game, who supported well to score and close the gap to 28-24 at the break.
The second half started with Tykes extending their lead with a penalty and for the next 10 minutes the two sides traded blows but the scoreboard had a bit of breather. But after 52 minutes Tykes were caught napping at the Tj penalty and Connor Lloyd tapped and sniped to score and convert his own try to make it 31-31
Again parity was short-lived as Tykes wingman showed some fancy footwork and pace to score two tries in 4 minutes before Tjs responded with two more of their own as Barnes and Kendrick, who else, finished off Tj attacks. Lloyd added the extras to make it 45-45 with 15 minutes to go. A fourth try for Tykes' winger put them back in front and when they added a penalty after 76 minutes it looked like Tjs were out of it at last.
However a last minute penalty from Lloyd closed the gap to 53-48 to earn Tjs a losing bonus point.
The result leaves Tjs secure in 8th spot with 3 games still to go. They take two weeks off now but return on the 11th April when Clifton are the visitors to The Slade and a 3pm KO
Further reading