Wakefield 6 Leeds Tykes 52

2 Tries for Harder
By RTR (on 22/08/02)
August 22 2002

Leeds Tykes completed their pre season build up with a low key victory over Wakefield in front of a small crowd at College Grove last night. The gulf in class, pace, skill & power between the club that finished bottom of the ZP last year, & a club with aspirations to gain ZP status, was apparent.

The Tykes were never under any serious pressure throughout the game, with Wakefield making only brief excursions into the Tykes half. The game was played in one half and two quarters, with (at times) uncontested scrums, so it did at times feel disjointed, but after all, it was a pre season friendly. Tykes actually fell behind early in the game to a penalty, but after that they were never threatened.

The players to really catch the eye were the new boys.

Derek Hegarty could be a real find at scrum half. He doesn't have the physical presence of Scott Benton, but makes up for it with lightening acceleration. His distribution is also fast and accurate. Outside him, Gordon Ross also had a good game. His tactical kicking was sound, and he throws long flat passes with accuracy. He also has the ability to beat a man, scoring an excellent individual try by beating three Wakefield men to jink over the line. Together these guys make an excellent half back partnership. Admittedly they functioned behind a dominant pack, but they both look like astute acquisitions.

Also putting himself about to good effect was George Harder. George scored two tries and made others, putting in some powerful surges from the wing. His hands are good too, laying off a pass out of the tackle for BVS's try. Other back three new boy Diego Albanese also caught the eye, another new player with pace to burn, safe under the high ball too. A back three of Harder, Albanese and Scarborough will be a potent weapon throughout the next season.

It’s also good to report that Tom Palmer is back to his best. In particular, he made one break through the Wakefield defence, drew the fullback and put Harder over for a try with a deft and perfectly timed pass.

But not all was good, the lineout at times sank to the levels it reached last year, but it was noticeable that Regan and Palmer appear to have gelled, and it improved towards the end. Phil Murphy also pinched some ball off the opposition throw. The occasional tackle was missed, and against stronger opposition that could be a problem, but once again, adjustments were made and the gaps disappeared. It’s good to see that when things are not working, we appear to have a plan B.

The back play also seems to have improved, take a bow JC. We appear to be running from deeper and hitting the ball at the gain line at pace, whereas at times last year it was all a little static, with players receiving the ball standing still.

As for the rest, BVS can still kick 'em from anywhere (although he was sin binned for a high, but not deliberate tackle), Cammie is still strong around the fringes, and Ponton put in some good hits - all stuff we already knew.

So all in all a good night at the office, with plenty of positives, but some things still to work on. The new guys all add something to the team, and it’s noticeable that we now have lots of pace. Many of us have commented that we needed more big profile signings, but it may just be that PD has been astute with his cheque book.

If you've any further thoughts on the Wakefield game or on how the team are shaping up, then post your thoughts on the MB or write an article for the site!