Leeds Rugby Foundation and Leeds Rhinos last night hosted a hugely successful double header of U13’s and U14’s North v South action on the famous turf of Headingley Carnegie.
U13’s: North Leeds 22-10 South Leeds
North Leeds
Tries: Mullen, Punton, Key, Webster
Goals: Punton (2), Littlewood
South Leeds
Tries: Pearson, Broadbent
Goals: Spence
U14’s: North Leeds 10-34 South Leeds
North Leeds
Tries: Colthorpe, Darwin
Goals: Cookland
South Leeds
Tries: Batchelor (2), Standing, Westerman, Lundy, Mustapha, Morton
Goals: Westerman, Mills (2)
The double header gave the best players in the city a fantastic opportunity to play on a pitch which has been graced by so many stars from Leeds clubs such as Chris Clarkson, Ryan Bailey, Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Danny McGuire.
The games featured the most promising young stars currently participating in school and club rugby across the city. The teams representing the age old rivalry of the North Leeds/South Leeds divide in relation to the River Aire.
The South Leeds sides were represented by the Hunslet colours of Myrtle, Flame and White, whilst the North Leeds side donned the Rhinos Blue and Amber.
The first game saw the U13’s take to the stage, but the game was marred by a bad looking injury to South Leeds youngster Jamie Earnshaw which meant the game was delayed mid-way through the first half for around an hour.
It was the South who started the stronger of the two after Jack Broadbent broke through and scored virtually direct from the kick off. Harvey Spence converted.
But the North responded with a try through Ryan Key before a neck injury to Earnshaw delayed proceedings for a while. The incident seem to spur the South on as they levelled through Pearson.
However the tide then turned as the North grabbed a foothold in the game and ran away with the second half. Tries from Luke Mullen, Kieran Webster and Luke Punton who also kicked two goals, put them in the ascendency. Luke Littlewood also got in on the act as he took over kicking duties to secure a hard-earned 22-10 victory for the North Leeds U13’s.
The man of the match, sponsored by X Blades went to North Leeds Luke Punton who fittingly donated his award to his injured opponent Earnshaw, summing up the spirit both games were played in.
Next up were the U14’s and the outcome was a complete contrast to the first with the South walking out of Headingley victorious following a hugely impressive 34-10 victory.
It was the South who started the stronger as they romped into a 10-0 lead before the North replied. The South then extended their lead to 20-6.
The North briefly put up a fight-back to bring the score back to 20-10, but the South them romped to victory scoring 3 late tries to complete a 34-10 victory.
The outstanding Billy Westerman took away the X Blades man of the match.
Thanks to Colin Smith and Pims who sponsored the event. Both kits were kindly donated by the Garry Chappelow Memorial Fund, thank you to them and a big thanks to all the coaches and players who made the event a success.
Stay tuned for video highlights of what was a great event.