This weekend saw the club's U19 side travel to the North East to take on Newcastle Falcons and they came away with a 19-11 win with a strong second half showing.
A side showing a significant number of changes including one just before kick off as Rob Almond pulled up in the warm up fought back in the 2nd half to gain a well deserved victory which should have been greater but for numerous wasted chances after good approach work in the 2nd half.
A frustrating first half in which Leeds failed to adapt to the interpretation of the referee saw the visitors go behind 11 - 0 following a penalty and a breakaway try from their own scrum put in. Leeds' own mistakes at the lineout conspired to give Newcastle plenty of territory as they played with a strong wind behind them but well organised defence well marshalled by Jacob Rowan always meant that they never threatened to score.
Leeds were always a threat with the ball and this led to a try just before half time from long range when Ollie Denton, who was a constant threat all game, broke through from 50 metres out to set up George Elliot to score under the posts. Turning round in the second half, and having identified what the referee was looking for, the Academy dominated the second half and if it was not for a lack of accuracy in the final pass would have scored at least 3 more tries to add to the 2 they did scored.
Commenting on the game, Academy Manager Diccon Edwards said, "It was not the polished performance we hoped for but still gave glimpses of the outstanding attacking rugby we are capable of and made a good end to the pre season preparations."