Leeds Tykes putting in the miles on long road back to national relevance
Leeds Tykes are putting in the hard yards on and off the pitch as they continue readjusting to life in National One.
The bus taking the team to the University of Greenwich for a clash with promotion-chasing Blackheath set off at 6pm on Friday night.
For a group of part-time players who only receive a bob or two, it is a big commitment, and a far cry from the Yorkshire-derby laden National Two North where they have spent the past two years.
But that’s why they fought so hard to win that league - the long journeys are a reward of sorts for that as Tykes try and re-establish themselves nationally.
Director of rugby Pete Seabourne said: “It’s one of the hardest leagues I’ve worked in by some distance, but that’s where we want to be, in this league and hopefully even higher.
“You’ve got to do the mileage, you’ve got to put the work in.
“We’ve enjoyed our Yorkshire derbies these last few years - at least we’ve got another one next week when Rotherham roll into Headingley.”
Before that date which has been circled on the calendar since the fixtures came out, Leeds can do their Yorkshire rivals a favour by denting Blackheath’s bid to stay on the coat-tails of the promotion race.
Leeds go into the game channeling the positive vibes of their last long journey south three weeks ago when they shocked Tonbridge Juddians. Frustrated by the fact they couldn’t back that up on home soil against Birmingham Moseley last week, it does at least give them a bit of hope.
“Blackheath is a tough place to go, it’s a really hard ask for the players,” said Seabourne.
“It was a really good performance down at Tonbridge with the travel and everything else that goes with it. We got stuck into them and we need to get stuck into them again today.”
He added: “Last week was a frustrating day at the office though. We started off okay and then you blink and we’re 28-0 down.
“We adjusted at half-time and got back into the game but we were never going to win it. We’ve had a good week’s training on the back of it.”
Injuries have forced Seabourne to lean on some dual-registration deals, signing young prospects Nathan Greenwood, a winger from Newcastle, and Dylan Hodkinson, a forward from Sale, on loan.
“They’re two exciting players and we’re looking forward to seeing how they go,” said Seabourne.
Leaders Rotherham Titans are at home for the first time in a month when they welcome Sedgley Park.