Just (Not) What the Doctor Ordered

Following on from the Roundhegians victory, a much-changed selection appeared out of the autumn mists at Norton Playing Fields, Sheffield, home to Sheffield Medics RUFC.

The usual Leos litany of excuses as to availability whenever a fixture outside the Ring Road looms on the horizon duly appeared, and Leos travelled more in hope than expectation. However, a reasonable XVIII assembled under the auspices of stand-in skipper Tom Tweddle. Lofty continued his Renaissance at Prop, with tinfoil-hamstringed hooker James "Faz" Farad returning from injury, albeit briefly. Tim Heaton was a late arrival as he had duties at the Yorkshire Show, and having removed the rosette from his hindquarters, took his place in a back row featuring wine connoisseur Stu Costello and the evergreen Nick Burdon. Ed Farmer was particularly keen to make an impression against his former club from the rudder at fly half.

Leos were under pressure from the kick-off, as Shmeds sought to give lie to their current lowly league position, and Leos, in what proved not to be an isolated incident, incurred the wrath of the Match Official. A penalty was duly converted to give Dem Shmeds a 3-0 lead. An analysis of the rest of the first half action does not repay contemplation. The game was littered with handling mistakes from both sides and Leos were failing to provide Scrum Half Matt Strang, already struggling having outstayed wisdom at the refreshment table the night before, with the clean possession required. A futile tendency to attempt to persuade the referee to entertain debate as the basis for his decision-making process also emerged, with predictable results. However, in the dying minutes of the half, a powerful drive by Stu Costello, defenders scattering like convent girls menaced by a tramp, led to Ed Farmer kicking a penalty to drw matters even at the interval.

Having wisely decided to eschew chelping for playing, the second half saw a much improved performance and return on effort. A searing break by Sam McMeekin set up a position from which Ed Farmer darted in for a converted try. Further pressure led to a penalty, and the award of 2 debatable yellow cards against the Medics eased Leos task into the final minutes when Tom Tweddle squeezed over the line for the clinching score.

Next week sees the much tougher prospective test of facing West Leeds at The Crag.