Leeds made the tough first game away to Wath in high spirits. After a monumental recruitment campaign. selection was tough for coach Jonathan Schofield and Director of rugby Jason Care. Several players were unlucky to miss out. Leeds fielded a number of summer signings on debut including Tak Muriro, Jordan Gale and Connor Wick.

Leeds played uphill in the first half, and a combination of the slope and a slow start cost Leeds dear early on. Wath raced to an early lead, with the scrum half sneaking from the ruck after 3 minutes. Wath doubled their lead after 8 minutes, slick hands out wide to score in the corner. Score 14-0

Leeds started to build some momentum in the middle after being starved of possession. A slick back moves off a scrum from the away side was picked off by a Wath player who raced the full length of the pitch to score after 14 minutes. 21-0 Wath.

Wath added a penalty then extended the lead after their 8 burrowed over the line under the sticks. Score 31-0

Despite the score, it felt like a game Leeds could still win if they could click into gear, and as the game wore on Leeds started to come to life. Leeds put first points on the board on 37 minutes. A solid scrum secured Leeds ball, and some good phase play by the forwards opened the field for a slick backs move with a number of runners. Jordan Gale capitalised and broke through, throwing a lovely dummy and beating several defenders to score just before half time. 31-7

In the second half, Leeds continued to improve and used the down hill slope to their advantage, dominating territory. The defensive line speed looked better and Wath started to struggle under the defensive pressure, making several errors. Leeds got another score on the board after a huge carry by Darrell Foster got Leeds on the front foot. Neil Orr found space out wide, kicked through and Harry Shackleton regathered to go over in the corner. Harry Shackleton conversion for 34-14

Leeds continued to dominate territory but couldn’t find another way through, making a number of errors. The temperature was also raising with some big hits from Chris Brown and Gareth Thompson showing Leeds upping the ante. Tempers frayed on both sides as both teams tried to dominate each other.

Leeds added a final try before the final whistle with another well worked move. Slick hands again through the backs after a solid scrum found Jordan Gale in space who broke through and ran the length of the field. A neat kick through beat the full back and Ellis Robinson won the foot race to pounce on the ball to score, giving Leeds large and vocal away supporters something to cheer.

Overall Leeds will be disappointed with the start and feel this was a game we could have taken points from. There is much to build on, and when Leeds clicked they were unstoppable. Congratulations to Wath on the deserved win and big thanks for their hospitality. Wath will certainly be up there at end of the season.

Man of the match went to Darrell Foster for a solid display and huge ball carries.

Next up we have a double header at Nutty Slack as both senior teams are at home. We also have a start of season party after the game with disco and DJ. Nutty Slack should be packed to the rafters. Hope to see you all there. #CointhiansFamily