Saturday, the 14th of October 2023.

at the sycamores. 

for rugby union national 2 north action. 

 4th tier of rugby union. leeds tykes, 6 wins from 6 vs preston grass hoppers, 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats in 9th, in a 14 team division. the tykes golden years were from 2001 to 2014, when they bounced between the premiership and the championship, but lack of investment saw them in gradual decline. to that end, they were relegated from national 2 last year, but are seemingly finding their feet again. their currently playing at the home of west park r u f c in north leeds. hoppers have had a rather inconsistent start to the campaign, but incredibly scored 2 converted tries in the last 2 mins to salvage a 30 all draw with hull last weekend. a cold, crisp and sunny autumnal day here.

Final score of Leeds Tykes 53, Grasshoppers 21. First half saw Hoppers struggle to make ground, but penalty kicks kept them within touch until a yellow card and a late try on half time gave Leeds a 29-14 advantage. The second half was more onesided, Leeds passing 50 points with superior strength and speed. A late breakaway try (for the second week running) the only consolation for Hoppers. A lovely sunny afternoon here to the north of Leeds, with excellent viewing from the clubhouse balcony.

The quieter moments in the match were filled by watching West Park Leeds v Castleford on the adjoining pitch, with this game 5 divisions below the main match. Castleford won that 26-19 in decidedly more competitive affair.