Leeds Rhinos Foundation Further & Higher Education Development Officer Russell Parker’s Leeds City College side produced a much needed performance to see off a spirited Hull FC Foundation College team to register their first win of the season in the North East Colleges Division 1 Competition.
Leeds City College travelled to Hull intent on bouncing back from a tough defeat at Halifax ERA the previous week and were stronger for the return of tough forward George Stone from injury for the game.
Hull FC Foundation dominated the early exchanges of the game, scoring first after capitalising on some poor Leeds discipline and then the home team continued their lively start by scoring neatly in the corner to take a 10-0 lead.
Leeds City College knew they needed something special to get a kick start a comeback which came from full back Ben Selby, scoring a superb length of the field try to bring his side back into contention.
Leeds then began to capitalise on their momentum and found their way over twice through Captain Ruan, who crashed over from close range before Selby grabbed his second to put Leeds in front by 12 points to 10 at the break.
The game then took another turn just after half time when Hull FC Foundation evened the scores with a penalty conversion from in front of the posts, but Leeds had the last say through a powerful run from Sanneh which saw him beat a number of Hull defenders to score from 60 yards out, converted by Taylor to edge Leeds back in front.
A great second half performance from Leeds was then completed when wingman Hutchinson, who crossed the line after some good build up play from Taylor to put Leeds into a 26-12 lead.
The Leeds defensive line then held strong in the final minutes to record a much deserved first win of the campaign to move up into fourth place in the table.
Leeds City College Captain Ruan said:
“It was a good effort from everyone today and I think we are starting to gel as a team now”.
Leeds City College return to action in the North East Division 1 competition on the 2nd November when they travel to top of the league St Mary's College.
Final score: Leeds City College 26 – 12 Hull FC Foundation College
Tries: Ruan, Selby 2, Hutchinson, Sanneh
Goals: Taylor (4)
If you are interested in studying at Leeds City College from September 2017 and being part of the Rugby League Academy e-mail: courses@leedscitycollege.ac.uk
or visit http://www.leedscitycollege.ac.uk/student-life/sports-academy/ for more information.
Rugby League players interested in finding out more about playing for Leeds City College can email Russell.Parker@leedsrhinosfoundation.org
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