One size Sandal worn down by Leo’s

A dearth of opponents and players mid week led to a scratch side 23 assembling to take on National North 3 rivals Sandal, who were all huge!
The visitors were positionally bereft in the front row so somehow it was decided that sending Thommo over was a good idea. The aching ribs of numerous “cleaned out” Leo’s and the 4 different props who tried to shift him in the scrums would indicate that this was not the wisest of ploys. Due to injury Sandal required regular replenishment from the Leo’s store and all guests played with aplomb with Timeless Leslie rolling back the years with a commanding and comedic turn at stand-off and various other Leo’s putting in a shift for the open toes throughout an entertaining but quite brutal encounter.
Sandal approached the game with a plan to run straight and true utilising their bulk and clearing out skills. Leo’s competed well while taking Thommo’s hits and securing enough ball for the more adventurous backs to exploit the space with speed and slick handling. Si Burton directed the yards out wide and the pack eventually added their support. Superior lineouts from Leo’s gave quick ball for Rob, Twedds and Blakey to work while the scrums were solid and somewhat immobile. Scotty directed mauls made calmer yards and the Sandal defence was aggressive and stubborn in repelling Phil the Power and his legion of offenders.
Regular tries were scored but only irregular extras were added by Ted’s toblerone boot. Sandal kept up their spirited defence by fair means and slightly less fair, resulting in the firm Refjoy despatching one to the bin. Space was exploited and more pressure resulted in more points. Player interchange continued at the same pace as Leo’s backs while the forwards battled themselves into an exhausted melee of fringing and lying on giving Refjoy a challenging afternoon, which he met fairly and efficiently.
Leo’s kept the pressure and inventive play going till the end and were worthy winners against a spirited Sandal side who never gave up.