Leeds Beckett RL crowned BUCS League winners

Beckett defeated inter-city rivals University of Leeds 38-4 to seal the BUCS Rugby League Premier North title for the first time since 2014-15.

The match was nip and tuck throughout most of the opening half before Beckett hit their opponents with a late flurry to leave the visitors bamboozled at conceding 26 points in the final ten minutes.

Beckett’s dominant 26-0 half time lead all but sealed their place as league champions. Credit to University of, however, who put in a resilient display in the second half, limiting Beckett to just 12 points and scoring a consolation try of their own to bring the final scores to 38-4.

Beckett Head Coach Paul Fletcher was delighted with his team’s performance after a long mid-season break for Christmas.

“I have been really impressed with the attitude of the players and their commitment in training and am really pleased that we have managed to seal the league title,

“We’ve not played a game in over six weeks now and to come out and play like we did was really pleasing and it sets a marker for the rest of the year now, we have set our goals and we want to go on and win the competition.”

Beckett’s victory was also a special game for Prop Forward - and Physiotherapy Masters student - Joshua Crabtree, who made his comeback from a dislocated shoulder after spending four months on the sideline.

Joshua was happy to play his part in a big win for Beckett but admits Beckett are focused on retaining their BUCS Cup Championship trophy for an unprecedented 12th time.

“Today's win over Uni of was a really big game for all of us, not just me and my comeback from injury,

"We have been really working hard for each other and doing what we need to do before we kick off the finals, which is just to keep picking up our wins."

Leeds Beckett 38

Tries: Woodburn-Hall, Rose, Regis, Jones, Lazenby, Procter

Goals: Druce (5)

University of Leeds 4

Next up for Beckett...

The boys will next travel to Newcastle University for their final round of the BUCS League season before heading into the BUCS Cup Competition later this month.

"We've got another game next week against Newcastle, the goal is to get another win there and then a couple of weeks rest before the finals and the most important part of the season."

Best of luck Beckett in regaining your league and cup titles.