Match Report - Bridlington vs Leos

The first match back after the Christmas break saw Leos take the long trip to the coast to face a top 4 opponent. Leos’ first half of the season was below par, however the last 5 games have seen some success and coming into this game had some confidence back in the squad.

On a very wet and boggy pitch, the first 15 minutes saw Leos soak up some sustained pressure from Bridlington with some big carries coming from their dynamic pack. Leos defended well for the first 15 minutes and kept the Brid attack at bay and managed to exit well and finally set a platform to apply some pressure of their own.

The first score came off a lineout on the Bridlington 22. A well worked lineout saw hooked Jamie Scott peel and pop to centre, George Faulkner, coming on a hard line and breaking through a few loose tackles. He didn’t quite get to the line and 5 metres out, and struggling to get the ball over the line, Ashley Britton (arguable one of the leagues largest wingers) was on hand for the offload and he crashed over from short range. Leos Fly Half and Captain, Ed Farmer added an excellent conversion. 0-7 Leos.

Leos managed to continue the attacking pressure, although some big hits were coming in from the Brid pack, causing flanker Josh Janvier to go off with a self diagnosed broken rib. The pressure paid off with Ed Farmer pulling off a Fin Russellesk chip over and touched down under the posts, once again the captain converted. 0-14 Leos.

A strong start from Leos was soon turned on its head, when they tried to play out from their own 22 following a well won turnover. Scrum Half William Watkinson opted to run it from inside his own 22 having spotted a huge overlap outside. If the ball had gone, Leos were away and likely to score at the other end. But sadly however the Brid 10 read it perfectly to make the interception and score under the post with an easy conversion to follow. Safe to say it was a 14 point swing and took the wind out of Leos’ sails somewhat. 7-14 Leos.

This score saw Brid gain some confidence and start playing some rugby. The pack started playing a pick and drive game which resulted in them driving over the line for their second score which was converted. 14-14 at half time.

The second half saw both teams come out strongly with some renewed energy. Bridlington however seem to be getting more control of the game, Leos’ scrum was starting to struggle and the lineout wasn’t much better. Brid capitalised on this driving the scrum back each time, this along with the poor conditions and multiple handling areas meant that the Brid pack were starting to get a real foothold in the game.

Brid were awarded a scrum 5 meters out and following a wheel to the right the strong running number 8 picked and scored in the corner. Things went from bad to worse for Leo’s with multiple players carrying injuries and Ed Farmer having to leave the field. The pressure continued from the Brid pack, they also made some well timed substitutions with some hard runners causing issues for the tiring Leos defence. Some strong carries once again from the Brid forwards saw an overlap develop out wide which resulted in a try in the corner. 24-14 to Brid.

Leos were not backing down, with some big hits coming in from second row Scott Wilson Poe and the injured No.8 MPH, and the backs trying to make something happen, however to no avail.

Once again handling areas and lack of discipline saw Brid back on the Leos’ 5 metre line. Once again some strong runs and poor tackling from Leos saw Brid finish off the game with a converted try.

Despite the strong first half performance, overall a disappointing day for Leos who have the challenge of anothe top 4 opponent, Pontefract, at home next weekend.

FT - 31-14
MOM - William Watkinson