Leeds Bobcats prove too wily for Walney Terriers

WALNEY Terriers may have suffered defeat at the hands of the unbeaten Leeds Bobcats – but they can take some comfort from the loss.

“They are the toughest side we have played this season,” was the verdict from the Leeds camp.

The Bobcats were heavy favourites after beating two teams expecting to challenge for the Division Two North West title in previous weeks.

The Terriers coaches had spent hours of pre-game preparation going over the strategy needed to take on their opponents, but – not having faced Leeds before – they faced problems.

Terriers started where they left off the previous game against Crewe Railroaders by mixing the run game to the outside and through the middle, which caused confusion for the Leeds defence.

But it was not long before the dominant Bobcats had them wrapped up after several drives.

Leeds’ offence made the best of their tall wide receivers and a few big passes allowed them to build up a 16-0 lead at Ulverston’s Glaxo Sports Club.

A blocked punt by Terriers linebacker Dominic Fielding, recovered by Ste Soulsby, set the Terriers in good field position.

Adjustments made on the offence resulted in a 40-yard touchdown pass from Gareth Jones to Joe Allington late in the second quarter. A missed kick meant the first half finished with Leeds 16-6 up.

The second half was make or break for the Terriers, but Leeds’ defence continued to dominate and, when the Bobcats added another touchdown, the game was out of reach.

Terriers’ offence struggled to get the ball moving and when they did gain yards they were pulled back for penalties.

The 26-6 result was a lower winning margin than Leeds had expected but disappointing from a Terriers point-of-view.

Walney now have two weeks to lick their wounds and prepare for their first away game of the season against Halton Spartans at the Select Stadium – home of Widnes Vikings – on Sunday, May 15.