West Park Leeds 26, Thurrock T-Birds 34

FOR the second time in as many weeks Thurrock T-Birds travelled to Yorkshire in defence of their National Cup.

This time they met rivals West Park Leeds. Games with Leeds are always fiercly competitive with both teams leaving everything on the field.

Five minutes in, after a turn over Thurrock spread the ball wide and inform speedster Niketa Akintade showed her opposite number a clean pair of heels to give T-Birds a five nil lead.

The score woke Leeds up, after starting slowly. As the Northerners tried to force their way back into the contest an ever alert India Harvey intercepted the ball and ran home from half way to extend the visitors lead. Centre partner Lizell Heather adding the conversation to extend the T-Birds advantage.

Leeds needed to stay in the contest and a moment of individual flair from the fullback resulted in a converted try for the Yorkshire side.

Thurrock were not happy with conceding and went back to their defensive press. The pressure told as a sloppy exit kick from the home side resulted in quick thinking at the lineout. Annalise Kerley the beneficiary of some smart play.

Thurrock had time for one more try before half time. Lizell Heather rampaging home bulldozing anyone in her way. Heather also converting her score to give Thurrock a 24-7 half time lead.

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As the second m half stated Thurrock went on the attack once more. Captain India Harvey showing her trademark step and sprinting home once more.

West Park Leeds showed why they were champions of the North for the past three seasons. Thurrock lost Tamara Nicholls to the sin bin and Leeds switched into a new gear scoring three unanswered tries to make the score 26-29.

A very nervy last 10 minutes were in store for the players, coaches, and travelling Thurrock supporters. Both sides tried to dictate the tempo of the game as they battled to and throw for control.

Finally in the last moments of the game the Thurrock attacking structure that had been so dominant in the first half took the game by the scruff of the neck. Some controlled forward carries sucked in the Leeds defence leaving a massive overlap outside with T-Bird players queueing up to touch down. India Harvey went over with the hattrick try to send Thurrock T-Birds into celebrations.

The result leaves Thurrock top of the National Cup Playoff Group as the Southern teams provide a clean sweep of victories against the Northern sides for a second consecutive week.

Post Game Thurrock T-Birds Coach Andy Yarrow said: "You can see how much defending this National Cup means to the girls, another long journey but another victory.

"As a rugby neutral you are always guaranteed a good game when Thurrock face Leeds. There is a reason these are the best 2 sides outside the Tyrells Premiership. I hope for both clubs this becomes a Premiership fixture next year!

"The south side of the competition looks a lot stronger, but there was a 15/20 minute period where Leeds showed they will always be a threat to any opposition.

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"We go narrowly top of the playoff table but we are also very aware of the potential threats around us. We are lucky we have finished our travels but we welcome two good sides in Cheltenham & Lichfield to Oakfield to conclude the group stages. With the South being so dominant we know how crucial the bonus points will be.

"I'd like to thank the players for their never in doubt commitment. And the supporters who always ensure the T-Birds are well supported. I hope to see more fans at our next home fixture on 15th March.

"A great win, against a great side is a great way to finish our National Cup travels now to get the job done at home!"