Rams led 22-14 at the interval thanks to tries from Max Hayman, Harry Stone, Axel Kalling-Smith and Zach Clow, Andrew Lamb lasering a brilliant conversion to the latter.
Tykes points came from Connor Walker and Seramaia Turagabeci, plus the boot of Eddie Crossland.
But man-of-the-match Kalling-Smith’s quick-fire double early in the second half built an insurmountable lead, despite Albert Bradshaw and Walker sealing a try bonus for the Yorkshire.
‘Leeds have some superb players’
Seb began: “I thought we were very good. A key thing was trying to back up the performance and emotion of last week, and what was refreshing was we started the game very well.
“We had dominance until early in the second half, but the most important thing was we came away with the win.
“Leeds have had some fantastic performances against Sale and Rotherham so we knew what was coming – (Albert) Bradshaw on the right wing and Kieran Davies at full-back are superb players.
“Obviously we wanted to kick on (after going 34-14 up), but sometimes it doesn’t happen. I thought the lads were superb though.”
Praise for evolving Ed
With the forecast rain not materialising Rams put the foot down on their continuity game, while the Director of Rugby highlighted scrum-half Ed Hoadley’s efforts in getting his side flowing.
He continued: “Sometimes we push the envelope a bit too much, but we can’t get frustrated because if you tone it down, you’re going to miss out on the special moments.
“Everything comes down to collision dominance and can you get on the front foot, get a good ruck speed?
“Ed’s tempo at the breakdown was superb and we’ve spoken with him about doing things slightly differently, but he just brings such energy, a real voice and commander of the team.
“He was fantastic.”
Young forwards were fantastic
At the other end of the age scale, second rows Liam Elston and starting debutant Paddy Jackson starred, along with 21-year-old flankers Stone and Mikey Duda.
And Seb beamed: “They’re doing tremendously well, and I thought Paddy on his first start was amazing – you almost didn’t notice him (in a positive way).
“You wonder if he could be exposed but he wasn’t in any way and he’s clearly good enough for this level, and beyond – he’s going to be a fantastic player.
“Liam I can’t say how pleased I am with the way he’s come on. He’s turning into a truly outstanding performer.”
Expanding on the evolution of a starting line-up again with an average age of 24, Seb said: “Our supporters understand where we’re at and they’re incredibly supportive of the team.
“It’s how a side sometimes has to go. We lost some guys to retirement last year and others have to step up.
“Guys like Ellis Jones, Axel – whose captained his country – become leaders among the group and he does it by example.
“What he puts out on the park is relentless, the physicality, the go-forward speed, a lovely calmness as well, his energy flows through the team. He was brilliant.”
Play-offs introduction makes league even better
Rams remain eight points adrift of Blackheath in the second play-off place, and while the Head Coach was coy about his side’s chances, he believes it adds even more to the division.
He explained: “There’s no point me discussing it in terms of us – at half-time last week the question doesn’t even come up!
“But in the context of National One and the fight there can be beyond just top spot going up, it’s exactly what it should be,
“This league is one of the best in the country with quality all through it and so the extra jeopardy of teams having a chance to push for three spots just boosts it even more.”
Rams head to Birmingham Moseley on Saturday (3pm), before hosting Clifton on February 14.
To book tickets or the special Valentine’s Day lunch, click here
