London Irish lose to Leeds
Leeds Tykes 15 London Irish 6
Leeds Tykes put their woeful Zurich Premiership form to one side with a deserved win over London Irish in the Powergen Cup semi-final.
Tries from Chris Bell and David Doherty secured Leeds a place in their first ever Twickenham final, and director of rugby Phil Davies will be hoping it can kick-start their stuttering season.
The Tykes edged a patchy game, played in front of a disappointing crowd of just 3,258, as London Irish struggled to create any clear cut chances in the game.
The Leeds pack dominated for much of the game and their backs had enough pace to create problems for the Irish defence on a number of occasions.
The early exchanges were nervy, with the two open-sides – Richard Parks for Leeds and Kieron Dawson for Irish – both doing an outstanding job of slowing down the opposition ball.
Their work may have pleased the respective coaches, but it did little to improve the flow of the game in the opening 20 minutes.
The game came alive when Ross made a scything break through the Irish midfield before off-loading to Phil Christophers.
The former England winger looked to have a clear run in to the line before Justin Bishop came off his wing to produce a magnificent covering tackle and allow the Irish to clear their lines.
Leeds proceeded to turn the ball over in the middle of the pitch and the impressive Parks fed the ball along the line to winger David Doherty.
Doherty passed to supporting South African prop Rayno Gerber, who sent Chris Bell cantering over the try-line. Ross was unable to convert.
Another Irish turnover provided Leeds with their next scoring opportunity when flanker Paul Gustard attempted a drop goal from an impossible-looking position.
Iain Balshaw collected the ball and hacked downfield, before tackling the retreating Scott Staniforth and forcing a penalty.
It was to be Staniforth’s last contribution as he was helped off the field with a facial injury.
Ross kicked the penalty for touch but the Leeds pack made a mess of the ensuing line-out and the chance was lost.
Ross made it 8-0 on 39 minutes when he dropped back into the pocket and struck a 25-metre dropped goal after a series of forward charges set up good field position.
Irish struck back immediately through the boot of stand-off Mark Mapletoft, who otherwise enjoyed a mixed half.
The sides turned round with Leeds 8-3 in front.
Mapletoft struck his second penalty 15 minutes into the second half, after the Tykes crept offside around the edge of a ruck.
Balshaw provided the first real touch of class in the game when he chased back to retrieve a Michael Horak chip-and-chase.
The England international scooped up the ball and stepped inside Horak and slid past two more would-be Irish tacklers before setting up a ruck and allowing the Tykes to clear their lines.
Balshaw’s impressive work allowed the Tykes to force their way upfield, and their forwards began to build up a head of steam. The ball was worked left through replacement Alan Dickens and Bell, who fed 18-year-old winger Doherty.
The former national schools sprint champion showed Horak the inside before stepping on the gas and flying over in the corner.
Ross’ outstanding touchline conversion made the score 15-6 to the home side with 15 minutes left to play.
Replacement Barry Everitt went close with a long-range penalty in the 73rd minute, but that was to be their last chance of the game as Leeds closed out the remainder of the match to seal their place in the April 16 final.
