Leo’s lack backs, fitness and luck

Against a combative and exuberant opposition and an erratic referee in Johnny Parker Leo’s had to line up with a hooker at scrum half, a centre at fulcrum and a back rower in the centres. Despite these positional shortcomings an upset was almost secured, but for the overall lack of fitness and organisation expected from the Leo’s social side.
Playing down the considerable slope Leo’s spent too much time pegged in their own 22 by the driving home side who were organised, fit and a little over aggressive. Cover defence and clearing kicks moved Leo’s slowly downwards as the conflict became a more forwards based contest. An early flare up saw a very angry Burley player break his hand on Onlsow’s head with a triple combination flurry resulting in a 10 minute rest, converted to a trip to LGI. The game settled somewhat and Leo’s took control with some hard driving yards conjuring up opportunities for the backs. Good support from Carl almost led to a Scotty try but the pass was never made. Then recycling and support allowed Backdoor Billy to crash over out wide and Scotty add the extras. James Poll made some telling breaks and was supported by both backs and forwards but Burley refused to cave in. More pressure allowed Jack to burst over and extend the lead but despite some energy sapping driving mauls (Scotty’s favourite move) and some scampertastic breaks from Gav there was no further scoring before the break.
Some changes were made and a demand for extra uphill effort was requested by Captain CJ. Thommo and Kinga responded immediately, although somewhat differently. Thommo set off on a forward drive and was accelerated over the line by his pack colleagues. Kinga however took exception to something at the next attack and drove his fist into a home forward. Despite the contritional kowtowing performance Isaac had a ten minute rest. Defending a 17 point lead for half an hour proved too much for the gallant visitors and despite some defensive heroics and adventurous attacking, including Backdoor Billy’s second sleight of hand in successive weeks the broken field pace of the home side told. They benefitted from some outrageous luck with the bounce of the ball but in the end ran in the required number of tries to take the lead. Leo’s battled hard to respond but ran out of time and energy, allowing Burley to score in the final play.
Honour was restored by Gav and Rido winning the drink off comfortably before a healthy number of Leo’s returned to the club for frivolity and beer before a sociable evening in Headingley