Leeds Rhinos Foundation Further & Higher Education Development Officer Russell Parker’s Leeds City College team rounded off a perfect month in March with a home win against St Mary’s of Hull in the Yorkshire Division League title with a 46-22 win to extend their lead at the top of the table to two points.
With 10 points from the opening five games, Leeds City College were looking to keep their 100% record going with the visit of fifth placed St Mary's College from Hull and duly obliged with their second 40 point score in consecutive games following the 48-24 victory against Kirklees College last week.
Leeds City College, playing at the home of North Leeds Leopards, began brightly, controlling possession and territory and going close on a number of occasions in the opening phases of play.
To get the scoring started, dominant second row, Luke Wager, crashed over from close range, followed by the improving forward Kieren Sands and an inspirational solo effort from LCC captain Lewis Simpson.
The opening scores were then followed up by a full length effort from Ousman Sanneh, to give the home team a 16-0 lead heading towards half time.
It was St Mary’s however, who finished the half the stronger, finally enjoying a spell of time with the ball and got their just rewards with two converted tries to give them some hope going into the second half.
The second half started in similar fashion with a score from LCC centre Thomas Hutchinson, followed by a second try from the powerful Ousman Sanneh for his fifth in two games.
The LCC onslaught then continued through two more tries from Thomas Hutchinson and the Viking-like prop Jamaine Ruan.
In a repeat of the first half, St Mary’s then hit back with two more tries of their own, deserving credit for not throwing in the towel as the action came to a close.
LCC man of the match Luke Brown said afterwards,
"Results are meaning that this season is building in to a big finish’.
Leeds City College travel to the Dons Foundation Academy for their next fixture on the 27th April, as they look to keep pace at the summit of the Yorkshire Division title in 2016.
For more information on playing Rugby League while studying at Leeds City College starting in September visit http://www.leedscitycollege.ac.uk/student-life/sports-academy/
Or Contact Russell.Parker@leedsrhinosfoundation.org