Mish-mash Leo’s mashed at Morley

With Cadgey Senior shopping for surgical appliances for Durham bound Simon, James H took on the role of team director and tried to work out how to line up his team. 20 players, but no stand-off, one centre and one wing made for a difficult afternoon’s rugby for the valiant Leo’s thirds. Morley had opted for unopposed scrums although there were a fair number of stout players within their ranks. This didn’t help Leo’s who had a ponderous preponderance of forwards.
The game kicked off under the delicate hand and dainty whistle of the Foxyree and Leo’s took up the unequal struggle with spirit and vigour. Tackling was the main occupation in the early stages as against the wind it was difficult to clear with kicks and the Morley defence couldn’t be breached through the middle by Will nor round the outside by Carl. Eventually the pressure told and a couple of tries were conceded. Not dispirited Leo’s gave it a go with Charlie and Billy to the fore with rampaging runs and some good support play from Joe, James and the pack. Unable to trouble the scoreboard Leo’s were turned round by some booming wind assisted kicks. Jo was snaffling good line-out ball but it was backs to the wall defence and a couple more tries were conceded before the break.
A stirring half time talk from Jim spurred on the troops and Leo’s scored first after the interval. The pack implemented The Plan and with drives from Tom, Jim and Goffy there was enough impetus for James to crash over and Ben add the extras. Unfortunately this riled Morley into action and some strong runs, well organised support and superior pace led to more tries being conceded. The midfield battle for possession was ferocious and even Scotty tried (and failed) to fell Unit, and had to leave the field with a very poorly finger. The spectating Dr Macklin decided it was fine before departing with a firm handshake, on said injured pinkie.
Despite conceding a couple more the spirit of the wind assisted Leo’s was just about intact and as Ben put in some boomers of his own the Leo’s forwards got their mauling game together for some hard yards and eventually two well worked pack tries for Tom and Rob B. A modicum of pride was restored before the Foxyree called a halt to proceedings with Leo’s claiming the victory on the well established “Last Try Wins” rule.