Leos 3rds Finally Come Good - Too strong for a great Yarnbury 5th team

Cadgey had gathered the one of the best lineups of the 3rd XV this season, along with a couple of 2nd teamers short of a game, to play Yarnbury 5ths on a beautiful sunny spring day at Leos. We were on the big pitch. Your humble scribe was due to play but changed duties to ref instead.

The 2 teams were evenly matched up front with both packs competing hard for every ball. In the backs Leos had the advantage of youth and talent. The returning Harry Walkden, considerably chunkier, less gobby and resplendent in white socks and electric turquoise boots directed operations from 10. Uni has treated Harry well and he had a cracking game, putting his outside backs into gaps and breaking the line himself consistently. His brother Jack also played well on his return.
The positively Polynesian centre partnership of new dad GI Joe, congratulations, and Phil the Power ran hard and made break after break. When Phil catches the ball he is seriously hard to stop.

Matt scavenged for any loose ball and displayed phenomenal strength for his age and size. One for higher honours next season methinks. He went on one of his “ Thou shalt not stop me “ runs, almost scoring. The Dark Lord of all things machiavelian gave swift service from 9 putting in one kick from a penalty that from no angle somehow made 40 yards, he still has that boot. He also almost shimmied his way into contact at one point, thought better of it and gave a pass instead!

Leos scored several tries in the first half with Phil the power claiming a hat-trick. GI Joe bagged one, Harry got two , one from a long way when he nearly got nailed by “Jesus“ he of the purple beard, I kid you not ! Cadgey went over from his traditional range. Despite the score Yarnbury were determined to compete and they replied with a couple of well taken tries, their centre ran very hard all day and he crossed the whitewash. Jesus on his wing also was quick and elusive.

The visiting 10 and captain put in a series of delicate and expert kicks to turn Leos and gain ground, wisdom has its lessons.
Listening to the half time team talk your humble scribe heard our resident brontersauras deliver a kick up the backside as people had relaxed and were not getting to the breakdown.

The second stanza was fast and furious Chris Gladwin was conspicuous in the loose carrying strongly and making good decisions in possession. He is growing as a leader. Young Simon found space out wide and made good ground, totally fearless despite a slight lack of weight, must be in the genes ! James was also very strong in the loose, at one point I thought Chris Macklin had returned to colours as the young chap ran somewhat as destructively as “ I would just like to point out as a consultant surgeon “ used to.

The scrums were a good battle with honours being roughly even although Jamie Scott did say at one point “ Don’t worry I have been going easy on your first prop so I won’t hurt this new one “ very gentlemanly. Quite right too.

As the game entered the final 10 mins Leos scored several more tries. Yarnbury never threw in the towel and tackled hard all day, however youth and fitness did tell, particularly in the backs. The game was played in excellent spirits with players from both teams playing for the opposition when needed. There was plenty of friendly banter and we thank Yarnbury for bringing a side at quite short notice to play. We retired to enjoy ice cold beer in happy mood.

So what next for the travelling band of 3rd team brothers? The club dinner beckons with all its normal tomfoolery, stay away from Cadgey unless you have a spare liver stashed away at home, but please make every effort to be there. Leosfest is also on the horizon. Please respond to Cadgey with nominations for player of the season, and most improved player. These awards I believe will be given out at the dinner.