Old Rishworthians 11 v Leos 16

A hugely depleted 1st XV squad returned from Old Rishworthians with the league points after a dogged 16-11 victory.

The squad featured several changes from last week's 2 point thumping of Moortown. The lack of availability of any hooker forced the selection of Si Dowling to the unaccustomed central front row berth, whilst John Leatham returned to the fold on the loose head. The back row saw Graham Peycke make his first appearance at 1st XV level for several years. Stuey Norton and Joe Derry stepped up from our merit table topping 2nd XV at full back and left wing respectively. Chris Cadge challenged the structural integrity of the bench.

In the idyllic setting of the Calder Valley, Leos started brightly and were soon basking in the glow of a 3 point lead afforded by a Jimmy Henry penalty. Rishworth, despite their league position, are no pushovers, and they soon replied via their burly centre touching down an unconverted try. Leos responded with a Dave Barden five pointer, and further contributions from the boot of Henry.

The game remained evenly contested throughout, and detailed exposition of the exchanges seems superfluous. Suffice it to say that our standout performers were Stuey Norton at full back, John Leatham at prop, and Man of the Match Will Levitt in the back row. Special mention also to Si Dowling for stepping into the breach at hooker and performing with increasing dexterity with regard to lineout throwing as the game progressed.

Next week sees the visit of league leaders Pocklington to the Crag, and should the espirit de corps of this effort be repeated by our 9 returning heroes (if selected) there is every chance of us causing an upset.
Report by Alun Gabriel

Leos scorers:Tries Barden, Conversion Henry Penalties Henry x3
Leos:Norton,Baker,Knibbs,Liu,Derry,Henry,Wood,Leatham,Dowling,Loughnenbury,Freear,Debenham,Levitt,
Barden,PeyckeSubs,Cadge,Chesters,Newton.