Leeds Rhinos Wheelchair kicked off an exciting new era under the stewardship of Leeds Rhinos Foundation with a convincing 70-20 victory over North Wales Crusaders at the Leeds Beckett University Sports Arena on Sunday.
Having gone unbeaten throughout 2021, the side picked up exactly where they had left off last year in their new surroundings and put in a solid team performance in front of a record regular season crowd at Beckett.
A hat-trick in both halves from Ewan Clibbens led the way, with Welsh international Jodie-Ann Boyd-Ward also scoring three times as the Rhinos’ treble defence got underway with a thumping win.
Prior to the game, both teams observed 13 seconds of silence to express support for Rugby League’s ‘Tackle It’ campaign, as the game continues to show its opposition to all forms of discrimination and abuse.
Visitors North Wales Crusaders opened the scoring inside the opening 2 minutes, but this was followed by some fast-paced play by James’ Simpson’s Leeds Rhinos who took control of the match and began to score on repeat. There was selfless play from Tom Halliwell, after a speedy break through the defence, with a well-timed pass to put Nathan Collins over the line.
Excellent team play with ball through hands helped Ewan Clibbens gain an early first half hat-trick, while Jodie Boyd-Ward’s back up to the team play gave a well-deserved and powerful try as chairs became entangled over the try line after a powerful collision in the corner.
Crusaders continued to give a good account of themselves and were making yards downfield, but the Rhinos defence scrambled well in defence and restricted them to just 14 first half points. The Rhinos meanwhile continued to be good with ball in hand and their offloads produced the extra pressure needed for Ewan Clibbens to break through to the try line just after the break to add his fourth and fifth tries of the game.
The kicking game on both sides was of an excellent standard. A sensational cross-field kick by Simpson with 10 minutes remaining was chased down by Clibbens to secure his double hat-trick, and then a long, direct pass from Collins out wide to Jodie Boyd-Ward, who touched down on the left wing, wrapped up a pleasing opening-day victory in style.
Most importantly, the game embodied the ethos of “Enjoy the Game’ with both sides showing great respect for the officials and the crowd were entertained throughout by the skillful, fast-paced action which was a fantastic advert for the Wheelchair Super League.
Attentions now turn to a big West Yorkshire Derby, with the Rhinos renewing their rivalry with 2019 Super League Champions Halifax Panthers in Round 2 who will be looking to cause a huge shock and end their long unbeaten run.
For more information about Leeds Rhinos Wheelchair Rugby League, or to find out how to get involved with the team, please email disability@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.
