Leeds Varsity 2014 - match report

Leeds Met & Leeds Uni alongside Rhinos skipper, Kevin Sinfield

Student Rugby League champions, Leeds Met earned the city’s bragging rights after defeating Leeds University 44 – 20 in the annual Leeds Varsity event.

The underdogs, Leeds University, went into this clash going undefeated in their league and went 10 – 0 up inside the first ten minutes.

However, the holders, Leeds Met weren’t willing to surrender their Varsity crown and eventually pulled away, scoring eight tries with only two not converted in the process.

It took eight minutes for Leeds University to upset the odds and spring a surprise result. Billy Griffiths and Sam Kink going over for the opening scores.

Back-to-back scores from Met followed swiftly after Leeds Uni’s opening tries, and nudged themselves ahead with both tries being converted.

Their slender lead lasted only a mere five minutes, Leeds Uni’s number nine burrowing over from close range to go 16 – 12 up.

Just after the half hour mark, Leeds Met grabbed themselves three unanswered scores. Gareth Hines firstly taking advantage of a quick play the ball to edge his side back in front. Three minutes from the halftime hooter, the Met stand-off’s tinkling toes and dancing feet allowed him to walk in for a try.

The tide of tries continued swiftly after the interval, Daniel Barker ran over the top of the Leeds Uni defence to touch down, and give Leeds Met some breathing space.

But, Leeds Uni weren’t done just yet. Matt Shaw collected his centre’s offload to dab the ball down in the corner. Shaw’s try would only prove to be mere consolation, Brad Inter and Sean Richards both crossed in the space of six minutes.

The scoring was rounded off five minutes from time, Jonny Dawes twisting and turning to make sure Leeds Met retained the Leeds Varsity title.