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Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
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James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
Leeds University Celtics 48-8 University of York Centurions
Inevitable. This, in the eyes of most, was the outcome of the final league game of the season, as well as the winless record for the Centurions in their first season of participation. On paper the cynics have been shown to be correct. But those who witnessed, or played against the Centurions in their last four games will have seen and felt the improvement of this fledgling team.
Injuries and academic commitments meant that York could only take a squad of 20 to face the second best team in the division. The team was most lacking on defence and on the line, the two areas most vulnerable to the athleticism, power and coordination of Leeds’ own immensely strong linebackers and offensive line. Special mention must go to Mikey Porter, Sam Asfahani, Thomas Binns and Tim Blades for playing on almost every snap. Arthur Pitt also put in a competent stint at linebacker to make up for a lack of carries, his 4 tackles demonstrating depth in that position for next season.
Throughout the game Leeds were able to move the ball on offence behind the best offensive line in the division. Two running backs well versed in senior football ran well, but there were no easy drives or scores for the home team. Alex Nock and Nick Tomaszewski made 10 and 11 solo tackles respectively and each forced a fumble. Rookie cornerback Andy Kingstone also forced a fumble, and Leeds struggled to pass against a makeshift York Secondary despite limitless time in the pocket. York themselves struggled to keep the ball in hand, with fumbles often undoing the positive gains that Nick Walter fought for on the ground and Josh Holt aired out to Tom Lee and Chris Paroussis, the latter continuing his late season Renaissance out wide.
The Centurions even managed to put a touchdown on one of the stingiest and certainly most aggressive defences in the league. Alex Nock rumbled in from 6 yards out in the first quarter, and Tom Lee hauled in a bullet from Holt for the two-point conversion. Although it was all Leeds from then on as far as the scoreboard was concerned, there were several positives for the visitors. No points were given up on special teams. York even managed to prevent the Celtics from recovering an onside kick thanks to Tim Blades, who also made 4 tackles and 2 assists. The Centurions also blew open the Leeds defence on a few big plays. Most notably on a 40 yard gain on a reverse by Tom Lee, adding to his 71 receiving yards.
Chris Button marshalled the makeshift defence well without the aid of a coach, and was helped by the return of the experienced safety Ben Sheldon. Congratulations to Leeds Celtics on reaching the playoffs, but the Centurions will be pleased with what the exponential improvement they have achieved this season and will be looking to Roses for that first victory.
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