Hard-Fought Victory at Donny

This is becoming serious. Having started the game at the top of the table, Leos were seeking to overcome a Doncaster Phoenix side against whom we have traditionally struggled.

We're only seven games in, and several severe battles lie ahead, but it is clear that this year's Y2 is the most open it's been for many years. Leos are only one of 6 or 7 clubs who look capable of the feat, but for the first time in a couple of decades, the P word has ceased to become anaethema at the Crag. If Leos are to move up a division in the League structure and secure the greatest playing achievement in the recent history of the Club, then it will be marginal victories over tough opposition like Phoenix, when we are not quite at our best, which will be the decisive factor.

On a warm afternoon on the magnificent 1st team pitch at Doncaster, Leos struggled to contain an opposition clearly bent on proving a point. In terms of selection, Skipper Dave Robinson was absent with injury, joining the queue for physio Jamie's services which is starting to resemble a mid 70's Soviet bread line. Chris Lewis returned from medical duties to take his place. The first half undoubtedly belonged to the home side, as Leos played into the breeze and bright sunshine which caused repeated problems in trying to cope with Doncaster's effective kicking game. Leos were further hampered by the loss of the influential Monty Wainwright after barely 10 minutes, and were fortunate to have Si Worrall as a replacement. An early converted try was quickly followed by a drop goal, and Leos defended tenaciously to keep the half-time score down to 10-0.

The first phases of the second half were to prove crucial, with Phoenix going for the jugular and the score which would kill off the game. However, magnificent "D" from Tim Sleights, Jordache, Dave Barden, Will Levitt and Mark Winter to name but 5 kept the home side at bay. Leos then started to gain territorial supremacy, and a tilt in the balance at the set piece enable centre Matt Callaghan to power through and then round the Phoenix defence for a magnificent solo try. A Jimmy Henry penalty evened matters up, and though Phoenix responded with another try, Leos dander was now up, and following a Henry drop goal, the mercurial Mark Winter slithered through to finish off a fluid exchange involving most of the side.

James Debenham and Jordache Myerscough were providing a stream of lineout possesion now, and Lenny Lane was constantly making good ground from the base of a solid scrum. Jack Rabbit Haire was continuing to demonstrate his remarkable maturity at scrum half and his slick service created the space for Simon Worrall to power over for another converted score.

Both sides entered the closing stages of the game seeking a bonus point, Phoenix looking to close the score to within 7 and Leos looking for the 4th try. A courageous attempt by Phoenix to run from behind their line in the closing seconds ended with the ball being knocked loose in the tacle, and Jimmy Henry pouncing to claim a full house of Try, Penalty, Conversion and drop goal on the occasion of his 30th birthday.

Having enjoyed the hospitality of the magnififently appointed Phoenix clubhouse, several club members returned to the Crag, and then into "Town" for Jimmy's birthday celebrations. Resplendent in the new club blazers, several wearers discovered that this new sartorial edge is opening doors and channels of social interaction hitherto undreamed of. If you don't have one yet, you are in danger of missing out, as the wave of demand assumes Tsunami proportions.

Incidentally, while all the above happened, it may not have happened in this order, apologies if something has been missed.