Leeds Rhinos Foundation Further & Higher Education Development Officer Russell Parker’s Leeds City College side succumbed to two season opening defeats in the North East Colleges Division 1 competition, losing out to Greenhead College and Halifax Elite Academy in their first two fixtures of the new campaign.
28/09/2016 – Leeds City College vs Greenhead College
After taking home the Yorkshire Division title following an unbeaten season in May 2015, Russell Parker’s side were hoping to continue their impressive form and kicked off the new campaign at Leeds Rugby Academy against Greenhead College from Huddersfield.
An enthusiastic Greenhead team had the better of the first half exchanges, taking a 16-6 lead early on before Leeds City College found their footing in the game and hit back just before the break to keep them in the game at 12-16.
Despite Leeds City College growing into the game before the half, Greenhead crossed twice to take back a commanding lead back, before another spirited revival from Leeds City College which saw them score three unanswered tries.
The last of the tries was scored in spectacular fashion by Leeds full back Ben Selby to give Leeds a narrow lead for the first time with only minutes left.
Greenhead, however, were not finished and went 90 metres to score a match winning try which they then converted, proving to be the final points of the game and a deserved last ditch win for the Huddersfield outfit.
Final score: Leeds City College 28 – 32 Greenhead College
Tries: Selby 2, Aslam, Tester, Deville.
Goals: Taylor 4
05/10/2016 – Halifax Elite Academy vs Leeds City College
After suffering a late loss in the home opener to Greenhead College, Leeds City College travelled to Halifax hoping to kick start their season but again ran into a very determined and physical team in what proved to be a bruising encounter.
Halifax Elite Academy were quick of the mark scoring two unconverted tries in blustery conditions forcing Leeds to come back from an early deficit for the second game in a row.
Leeds did find an answer though and hit back as forward Hussain powered over from close range before taking the lead through a long range effort from paceman Hutchinson after some initial good skill from Selby.
Despite taking back control of the game in the first half, the majority of the second was dominated by Halifax who took advantage of some poor Leeds discipline to score four unanswered tries and take the game away from the visitors.
A late rally from Leeds City College, scoring through wingman Deville and again through the excellent Hussain, proved too little too late as Halifax secured the points.
Final Score: Halifax Elite Academy 36 – 20 Leeds City College
Tries: Hussain 2, Hutchison, Deville
Goals: Taylor 2
Leeds City College return to action with their next game in the North East Colleges Division 1 away at Hull FC Foundation College on the 12th October.
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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