Away At Ponte

Leos 1st XV faced their 3rd game and seeking their first win of the campaign away at Pontefract who have enjoyed a strong start to their own campaign with 2 from 2. Leos looking to build on a solid performance from the previous week but well aware of the challenge ahead. The fixture saw a first start to Leos latest recruit Sean Maguire at 8 and the return of Steve Costello in the row who managed a full two weeks of his 4 month sabbatical away from the sport to concentrate on his new job before he decided his work life balance needed a review. The exciting half back combo of captain Farmer and Guy K-S started once again ready to build their partnership and steer the Leos attack.

The game began at a high tempo with both sides having some success and line breaks. The first chance for points fell to Leos who narrowly missed a conversion attempt following what was surely a heinous infringement the exact details this author can't remember. Pontefract then ran in two well worked moves utilising their talented back line and efficient forwards frustrating a Leos side who felt they might have deserved from their efforts on the pitch reflected on the board. One scored and one missed conversion left the score at 12-0 to the home side. Leos did cross the line dramatically towards the end of the half after some good phase play and recycling when Tom Leddy, defied the defence to side step, goose kick and generally fall of the line. The try was converted and game was on. This lasted about 3 minutes when once again the impressive back line from Pontefract worked what ended in a good score in the corner. The half ended 17-7 and with the slight breeze in the visitors favour, all to play for in the 2nd half.

The 2nd half began similar to the 1st for 5 minutes but after some attacks from both sides Leos lost both centres to separate injuries. Shortly afterwards some good work at the breakdown provided Pontefract's back line quick ball and an overlap and an opportunity too good for them to score. The middle of the 2nd half continued in this vain with good work from Ponte upfront presenting chances and for a few minutes they ran in several tries in quick succession.

Leos rallied and enjoyed a good spell in the opposition half just failing to score until the last 5 minutes when sub Chris Little at 9 and a reshuffled backline took a quick penalty and snook under the sticks with little challenge. Leos threatened further but with the result decided Ponte defended well and the match ended 36 - 14.

Ponte deserved their win but this author felt there wasn't 22 points between the sides. Each team held their own set piece but the well publicised Pontefract back line especially 10, 12 and 13 were too clinical when opportunities presented. Pontefract identified and played to the referee's interpretation of the breakdown better than Leos and this provided the platform to score.

From a Leos view plenty of positives to take away including another solid performance from 10 Guy Kingsley-Smith, a very solid scrum and line out and a great performance from debutant Maguire at 8.