A struggle in vain against unequal odds

Whilst the demonstrable gap in class was evident Leo’s put in a spirited and tenacious display despite conceding tries on a regular basis throughout the afternoon.
The visitors back line was far superior and had skill, pace, and support throughout the game. Leo’s tackled bravely but were often overwhelmed or just outpaced. Up front there was a more even battle at the set piece where the front 5 were on a par with North Ribb. Lineouts were well contested too. For spells in both halves the Leo’s pack adhered to the game plan and a preponderance of pick and drives and supporting recycling made inroads into the visitors 22 which were unfortunately not converted into points. More frantic fringe defence from Neil, Scotty and Billy M slowed down the inevitable and the intrepid backs tried to make an impression against some fearsome tackling. Out wide The West Country Wizard had recovered from a tea drinking injury to add some pacy magic to no avail whilst on the other side Simon Cadge’s bravery resulted in a suspected broken collar bone.
Chaos and comedy was dished up by the outclassed home side in equal measure as they lined up for the second half and conceded straight from the kick off, before realising they only had 14 men on the pitch and four on the side-lines. Neil then received a back injury and Ben decided the best treatment was to dangle his parts in Neil’s face in the vain hope a tea-bagging would take his mind off the back pain. Brother Rob remained amused but unhelpful. Dave H tried to negotiate a draw during an injury break. Carl caught a trademark kick-off, then immediately dropped it. He and Scotty then stole a Ribb lineout together, and then left the ball behind, together. And on it went while the visitors went about their well organised business in a sporting but clinical manner to secure a victory deserving of a well organised, regular training side.