Jared Williams

By Gelbel
October 14 2013

That's what I took from Leeds Carnegie's trip to a miserable afternoon in Bristol for the first round of the B&I Cup. And while the weather and end result was miserable those of us (was it just me apart from some players' families?) that made the trip had a view of a bright future.

It started well with Leeds snaffling Bristol's lineout and that happened throughout the match. Bristol started to attack and took their chances from deep as some big holes appeared when Goss came off his wing to defend. Leeds were pinned in their 22 but the defence was very strong and a try was held up. There was a prolonged period of scrums where the ref was awarding penalty after penalty to Bristol. The crowd were baying for a penalty try, I'm no way a master of the dark arts but I'm sure there was a certain amount of kidology from the Bristol pack to influence sir. It did result in Lockwood being sent to the bin.

More great defending from Leeds and Bristol resorted to a lineout for a penalty as their scrum was not getting any results. Leeds did get the ball away but the pressure of being one down told in the end and Bristol scored. 7-0 after 25 mins.

Leeds had a huge scrum and were awarded a penalty for their efforts which Hughes missed. Leeds pressed on and Armstrong went over for Leeds' opening score that was converted. 7-7 after 30 mins. There was more great defending from Leeds before they got back in Bristol's half and were awarded a penalty for their efforts. Barker put in a lovely tackle to stop a Bristol attack just before half time. 7-10 at half time and a little grin was appearing on my face as Leeds should've been so much more behind but guts and determination had kept Bristol's score down.

Not long after the restart Rob Martie made a lovely break and booted up the field but there was an unlucky bounce with the ball went into touch - a shame as if he'd recouped the ball it was a certain try. Martie was a handful every time he attacked as he's big, powerful and fast. Leeds kept up the attack with Williams powering over for a converted try. 7-17 after 50 mins. Williams had been tackling like a demon all match but put in his biggest tackle just after the restart - the Bristol lad was knocked into next week.

Bristol made it 14-17 at 65 mins - the play was at the far end of the pitch and through the gloomy drizzle I couldn't really see the detail of what was happening, although Leeds were defending well and Barker was at the thick of it.

Leeds were trying to put the match to bed and had several attacks stopped by Bristol - a couple of these involved members of the pack lumbering up the field like backs. Bristol were counter attacking at every opportunity. Barker, yet again, was doing some great defending as just as I said to my pal he was having his best game in a Leeds shirt, he missed a tackle (caused more by the slippery conditions meaning he couldn't get a decent grip to bring his man down) and Bristol scored the decisive try. 21-17 after 75 min. Leeds did not give up; they pushed and pushed. Bristol did not have possession for the remainder of the game as Leeds put in phase after phase. But it was not to be, at the final whistle the guys were gutted.

Apart from the result, I am glad I made the trip. This was a very young side, given our 'first XV' is young that's saying something, which is shaping up nicely. It was one of the biggest packs I've ever seen us put out and they bossed Bristol about once the match settled down. The defence - well, my Bristol pal said it was one of the best defensive displays he's seen. I had comments on both from other fans as I walked back to the car for what turned out to be a long journey home. Difficult to call out a man of the match. Doherty distributed well, Barker was like a new model of his former self, Hannay was a handful but I think Williams gets it - think Buzz but bigger (my notes actually say fooking huge).

Big and insightful

Discussion started by TykesRugby.co.uk (IP Logged), 14/10/2013 10:59

TykesRugby.co.uk
14/10/2013 10:59

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:10:26:07:02:55 by Wildwillie .

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JohnnyP
14/10/2013 11:47

Not quite as I saw it Gelbel but agree it was a very good defensive performance by the boys. Think it is a bit one eyed to say our pack bossed the Bristol 8 at any stage of the game really. Bristol had most of the ball and territory (often because we were penalised in the tight). I felt they deserved their win and our lads dug deep to keep them out for as long as they did. Agreed Williams played well but if pushed for a MOM for us it would have been Hughes for his game management. Also kicked very well from floor in tricky conditions.

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Haxbytyke
14/10/2013 14:00

Thanks, Gel, good report. Seems the Uni. and Academy lads did not let anybody down, and I'm sure they will be disappointed, but in the greater scheme of things Leeds have many more important games coming up.

COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.

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Carnegiette1
15/10/2013 22:19

Thanks Gel

Even though it was "only" a cup game, it sounded like our youngsters made a good fist of it. Bodes well for the future

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