A Local Derby As Old As The Yorkshire Hills

With The Shifting Sands, Comprising Memorable Moments, Plus The Ebbs And Flows of Shifting Momentum From Both Teams.

(Remember Boys When It Is Breezy Swing Easy !! A Most Insightful Quote from
Mr Freddie Burns, Bath and 10 & 15 )

Leodiensians 3s welcomed an Experienced Roundhesians 3s Squad to play an entertaining 80 Minutes of cut and thrust Rugby Union, on a Sunny Afternoon at Fortress Le Crag.

It was clear from the KO that R Hesians had a strong, knarly pack, a useful 10, and despite Uncontested Scrums due a lack of Props on both sides, the early skirmishes were fiercely contested up front by all 16 Big Fellas.

Leos had Youth, Pace and considerable ability in their back division, as Your Humble Scribe observed whilst Running Touch.

From some clean quick ball Matt at 9 set Archie Pine-Coffin free at 10. Useful hands, excellent lines of running by Marcus and Florian in the centres released Louis Jones, a very quick and elusive winger to score a well taken try out wide.
Not converted.

R Hesians poured back into attack via their forwards, running right down the throats of the Home Defence. Only Resolute Defence from Mr James Debenham Esq, lifting not jumping for a change at Lineout Time, Captain Sport Billy, Tricky and Tom at 8 kept the marauding visitors from scoring.

APC at 10 then tried to take a pass around his bootlaces, he fly-hacked it on the volley some 40 yards sideways. A great catch by Louis on the wing, and some serious gas saw the young man race away from the halfway line to score a slightly fortuitous Try.

Not converted.

Hesians did score through their forwards and as the fires were ignited, and the game developed into a true battle.

Leos kicked well for touch generally with only one going slightly astray as APC went for broke from a penalty, the ball flew just the wrong side of the corner flag, but hey we have all done that !!
Archie had a cracking game and distributed well to his outside backs, where Leos had a definite advantage in youth and sheer pace. He plays with the top 2 inches of a most savvy rugby brain, taking correct options, and Archie is blessed with genuine natural speed too.

Halftime Arrived and Captain Sport Billy Marsh called for patience, more efforts in defence and the game was there to be won.

As the Second Stanza got underway the visitors began to win more clean quick ball. Their talented 10 and centres punched a few holes in the Leos defensive line as a few tackles were missed.

With 30 minutes left to play an injury to a Leos winger meant a few changes were needed.
Bamber Gascoigne had already come on into the front row as Tricky left the melee at Halftime.
A certain somewhat older 12 entered the game and we played on.

Matt at 9 scored a from a lot of hard work, driving pick and go play from Leos forwards. He attempted to drop kick his own try from in front of the posts, narrowly missing.

By now it was Leos 15 v Roundheasians 14. The result at a crucial tipping point.

Hesians upped their game, made correct decisions in attack and scored 2 well finished off tries which were both converted.

Now under severe pressure the Leos defence rallied with Lovejoy fielding a kick in the 22, he cleared to touch thankfully, and much to his own relief !

At 15/28 to Roundheasians Leos stuck at their task, with Tom at 8 very conspicuous with some barnstorming attacking auns and solid hits in defence. We thank Roundhesians for lending us a young winger as another home player took an injury.

The game was played in good spirits generally for a local derby. We thank Mark our Referee for the day, who controlled matters with a smile and clear communication.

The final whistle saw the visitors run out deserved winners of closely contested and most enjoyable game at Le Crag.

Leos Third Team 15/ Roundhesians Third Team 28.
We retired to enjoy a few Well Earnt Cleansing Ales and reflected on a game Leos may have been able to win when leading 15/14.

A few more weeks, some enhanced cohesion and effort will hopefully see this Leos 3rd Team gel, grow and develop into a force to be reckoned with.

As Handshakes were exchanged in the Tunnel with a few wry smiles to boot, all at Leos thank Chris, a Former Roundhesians Captain, Current Referee, Former Sparring Partner and friend of Your Ever Humble Scribe, for volunteering to run touch for the Second Half.

Thank You Chris.

Match Report Composed by Lovejoy. (Lovers)
Aka Mr Peter G Chapman.
Sunday 7th of October 2018.