By RtR
August 27 2004

Leeds Tykes' final pre-season game against Scottish region "The Borders" was played on a wind-swept, drizzly night in Headingley, but was the game as successful as the 39-0 scoreline indicates?

Tykes 39 Borders 0

A sparse crowd of a few hundred diehards saw the Tykes complete their pre-season campaign with a routine victory over a hapless Borders outfit at Headingely.

Tries by Duncan Hodge, Matt Holt, Chris Bell, Alan Dickens, Matt Cardey and academy winger Tom Biggs were deserved reward for a Tykes side who dominated every phase of the game. Tries came from various sources, ranging from a scrummage push over, to flowing moves involving backs and forwards, and several were out of the top drawer.

It would be churlish to find fault with the performance after such a convincing victory over one of the three Scottish super-provinces, but there are areas in which improvements can be made - the lineout was not 100%, but improved as the game wore on. The odd missed tackle occurred, and at times the Tykes seemed over-anxious to force the play leading to a few handling mistakes.

However, the positives far outweighed the negatives….

• The Snyman - Bell partnership looks set to blossom in the centres, there appears to be genuine understanding between the two, and both look in excellent physical condition.
• New recruit Richard Parks looks to be the genuine article at openside, and was rarely more than a couple of yards form the ball all night. Dan Hyde also looked in excellent, belligerent form when he came on in the second half. The backrow will see some genuine competition this season, with nobodies place carved in stone.
• The return of Chris Murphy has also added much needed dog to the pack, and he put in some mighty work in the tight, a reassuring sight for the Tykes faithful.
• Academy winger Tom Biggs had an excellent all round game, and deservedly capped his nights work with an excellent try.
• The first up defence was excellent, and the Borders were repeatedly rocked back in the tackle. The side looks much bigger and fitter this year.

The significance of the result margin can be difficult to put into context against a Borders side who seemed to lack basic skills, fitness, organisation and passion.

Nevertheless it was a good night at the office for the Tykes, and the signs are good for the new season. With the likes of Shelley, Christophers, Stimpson, Balshaw and Albanese yet to return, the Tykes can approach the new season with quiet confidence.