Leo’s hold on for hard fought victory

The home side were struggling for numbers but keen for a game and regular evening up took place to allow a hugely competitive and enjoyable contest.
Playing down hill in the first half Leo’s took a long time to settle in to the agreed game plan. Far too much solo endeavour and over ambitious fanciness squandered possession and opportunity before common sense prevailed and the close quarters support running took hold. Up front, where Scotty once again had to step up to loose head, the front five worked hard for scrum parity and secured most of their ball. Dave H and Tom G were a reliable source of lineout ball and the back row competed well. Baildon were tenacious at the breakdown and had some dangerous broken field runners to return any wayward kicks, of which there were plenty.
Nimble breaks from Tim and Grant were not supported well enough and neither Phil the Power or Billy A could break through. Out wide the West Country Wizard was starved of ball and space. The home side edged ahead with a fortunate break. The unsighted referee missed a clear knock on which the Baildon centre picked up sheepishly, almost handing the ball over to expectant Tim Leslie before scampering past him and over the line. Somewhat riled Leo’s threw themselves down the slope and following some good drives had Baildon pinned in their 22. Turnover ball was secured by Scotty who fed Phil for the reply which the lock turned reluctant prop converted. Leo’s returned to type for the final minute of the half by missing touch and allowing rampant Baildon to return a 60 yard multi-phase try while Leo’s were waiting for their half time rest.
12-7 down and having to play up hill meant that the old school style was a necessity. Refuelled and patched up by Q and his supplies a determined Leo’s side set about the task. An early Tim Martin step, swerve and sprint opened up Baildon for a 7 pointer and Leo’s were once again in front thanks to Scotty’s little feet. Baildon upped their efforts to batter the Leo’s line and eventually the pressure told and a try was scored out wide but unconverted. Ebbing was followed by flowing as Tim M repeated his earlier feat and Tim Leslie converted (Combined age of kickers 99!). it was unlikely that Leo’s could hold on to a 4 point lead for 20 minutes and despite some valiant defending the Baildon stand-off drifted laterally before slicing through a gap to edge the home side ahead 24-21 with less than ten minutes remaining. Leo’s replied with some rumbling drives and then set Wizard James free with the line begging. In attempting to magic an easier conversion James cut inside and was scragged, the ball cleared to touch and the chance lost, or was it? From the resultant line-out scrambling and spoiling led to a hurried clearance, charged down by JP Snuffles and allowing CJ+ to pick, twist, and flop over the line. Tim spoiled the 99 year old kicking combos 100% record and keep the game on a knife edge at 26-24 to Leo’s and seven minutes to hold on. Waggons were arranged in a circular pattern and some dogged defending ensued. Dave H and Grant held one assault up over the line before the ensuing scrum was won against the head, bringing the afternoons against the head total to 6, according to the front three. More desperate defending and according to the referee offending ensued before Baildon were awarded a penalty within kicking range but quite wide out. Leo’s held their collective breath, if they had any left, as, with the last kick of the game, the ball drifted a foot wide and victory was secured.
A hugely entertaining game, which CJ+ thought had ended in a draw, was enjoyed by all and thanks must go to Baildon for making every effort to get it on, and for the Leo’s volunteers (you know who you are) who put in a shift for Baildon.