Leeds overcame a disappointing first-half display to send Saracens crashing to
their fifth Zurich Premiership defeat of the season at Headingley this
afternoon.
The Tykes, who have played well above expectations so far this season to claim
second place in the Premiership table, started the game in second gear but upped
the tempo after the interval.
Former Springbok Braam van Straaten was the catalyst for Leeds' second-half
revival after booting 14 points in a near flawless kicking display.
Gordon Ross and Chris Hall touched down for the Tykes with fine solo tries as
the home side showed all the grit and determination which now marks every Leeds
performance.
But Saracens, who crossed through Richard Hill and Christian Califano, will be
wondering how they managed to lose the match after turning in such a strong
opening half.
Van Straaten was called into action early on when he stroked over a penalty
following a barnstorming run from winger George Harder, but Saracens edged ahead
in the eighth minute through England flanker Hill.
Winger Darragh O'Mahony made the most of an error by Alan Dickens, scooping up
the ball and slipping it to Hill who ran some 30 metres to score in the left
corner. Andy Goode missed the conversion.
French prop Califano dived over for Saracens' second try in the 21st minute
after some robust work from his fellow forwards and this time Goode added the
extras.
The Tykes hit back straight away however when Ross ghosted through the
visitors' back line to cross under the post. Van Straaten slotted the
conversion.
But Saracens, who despite their narrow 12-10 advantage were well on top,
continued to pile on the pressure, using their pack to make inroads into Leeds
territory.
And their efforts did not go unrewarded as the Tykes were forced to concede
two quick fire penalties which Goode gratefully accepted.
Kyran Bracken, snubbed by England earlier in the week, looked like he had a
point to prove as he drove the visitors on, distributing the ball cleanly and
making some sniping runs around the breakdown.
He almost went over in the 36th minute following a quick tap and go from a
free-kick but he was held up inches short of the line by a clutch of Tykes
forwards.
Leeds showed some improvement after the break but Saracens continued to
threaten, with Tim Horan sprinting down the right wing before speeding Gerald
Arasa who spilled the ball over the line.
Van Straaten then added three penalties as the Tykes finally started to show
some form, and winger Chris Hall put the result beyond doubt with a 77th-minute
try which saw him beat several players before sprinting home.
There was still time for Ross to bag a late drop goal, the last act in an
entertaining encounter.
Teams
Leeds: Shelley, Regan, Kerr, Campbell, Palmer, Mather, Hyde,
Feaunati, Dickens, Ross, Hall, van Straaten, Davies, Harder,
Scarborough.
Not Used: Holt, Rawlinson, P. Murphy, Popham, Hegarty, Rock,
Emmerson.
Tries: Ross, Hall.
Cons: van Straaten.
Pens: van Straaten 4.
Drop Goals: Ross.
Saracens: Flatman, Cairns,
Califano, Benazzi, Yandell, Peacey,
Hill, Chesney, Bracken, Goode, O'Mahony, Horan, Johnson, Arasa,
Castaignede.
Not Used: Hannon, Marsters, Quinnell, Hooper, Williams,
Sorrell, Sparg.
Tries: Hill, Califano.
Cons: Goode.
Pens: Goode 2.
Att: 5,015
Ref: D Pearson (RFU).
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