Sheridan White
Best wishes to Sheridan and his family as he undergoes yet another course of treatment.
Let’s hope it’s third time lucky and that it won’t be long before he is back on the field representing the Warriors.
NIGHTMARE ON EAST STREET!!!!
East Leeds v Hunslet Warriors
National Conference League Interim Season – Group D.
This was always going to be a close encounter between previously- unbeaten local rivals, but for the Warriors it proved to be a day of frustration as they failed to complete sets and produce their normal flowing rugby.
It was 18 minutes before Easts broke the deadlock as centre Nathan West crossed. Warriors’ frustration continued as a series of mistakes allowed Easts to apply further pressure. Despite this, the visitors almost drew level as winger Chris Hartley fed centre Lee Coates who was held up over the line.
Defences predominated with experienced prop Johnny Dawson, scrum half Jim Baker and 2nd row Karl Featherstone working hard for the Warriors, while for the home side prop Joey Walkin and hooker Lee Priestley featured strongly.
Easts extended their lead on 28 minutes when strong running forward Lee Fisher powered over, with their man of the match stand- off Nathan Conroy converting.
Warriors full back Gary McClelland was called upon to field the ball on a number of occasions as Easts tested the Warriors defence, and it was a shell shocked Warriors who went into the break behind.
Half Time: East Leeds 10 – Hunslet Warriors 0
Warriors knew they had to turn things around and, ten minutes into the second half, centre Gareth Brain gave Warriors renewed hope when fed by Nicky Dobson he crossed near the posts. McClelland added the points.
A period of sustained attacks by Easts saw Warriors ride out three sets of six on their own line thanks particularly to centre Micky Lyons and prop Omar Medhi. However something had to give, and on 65 minutes Easts were rewarded when Ryan Lillywhite crossed and Conroy converted. This was followed five minutes later with a successful penalty from Conroy.
Warriors’ impressive hooker Richard Wheelhouse did his best to rally the troops and was rewarded as team mate and their man of the match Johnny Dawson found an opening to cross. . The safe boot of McClelland added the extras.
Easts had to withstand a number of determined attacks but, following an interception, Conroy ran the length of the pitch for what looked like a certain try – only prevented by a last ditch tackle from Warriors pacey winger Luke Rayner.
The last quarter saw Easts’ defence remain solid and the home side ran out worthy winners.
Full Time: East Leeds 18 – Hunslet Warriors 12
Stanningley v Hunslet Warriors
National Conference League – Interim Season – Group D
Impressive centre Gareth Brain got Warriors off to a flying start with two tries in the first eight minutes. The visitors then added to their score with two further tries in the next four minutes from full back Gary McClelland and scrum half Chris Ross and it was clear that Stanningley faced a difficult challenge.
The younger Stanningley side however passed the ball well with hooker Tom Sharp and stand off Niall Murphy prominent. For Warriors Paul Sebine, Liam Gale and Chris Hartley tackled strongly to keep the home side at bay. Lewis Miller was also making a sterling contribution for the Warriors before a clash of heads led to his early departure.
Leading up to the break Warriors managed to run in three more tries. Two from centre Mark Cunningham who outpaced the home defence to run the length of the pitch for the second, and the other from McClelland who once again is on course to be top points scorer.
Half Time: Stanningley 0 – Hunslet Warriors 40
It was Stanningley who started the second half brighter causing winger Luke Rayner and forward Karl Featherstone to demonstrate their defensive skills. Warrior’s hooker Arron Pratt worked hard to rally his troops to greater effort and was rewarded with a try from powerful 2nd row Omar Medhi who crashed over the line taking three defenders with him.
Stanningley responded with a well taken try from Sharp following a smart kick through from scrum half Anthony Glynn. Ash Kearsley added the extras.
A burst of three tries in six minutes saw Warriors home and dry. First captain and man of the match Caldon Bravo handed off four defenders in his 60 metre dash to the line. Then prop Johnny Dawson forced his was over before having a hand in the final try, this time from back-in-form Dwayne Barker who played on despite dislocating a finger earlier in the game.
The ever safe boot of Gary McClelland converted ten of Warrior’s eleven tries.
Full Time: Stanningley 6 – Hunslet Warriors 64