Leos 3s Lose to useful Burley 2s Team 0—30

Leos assembled with a large squad to face Burley on a heavy pitch away from home.

Burley had no front row as their 1s had apparently stolen them at the last minute. Despite the Leos skipper offering Burley some front row to ensure competitive scrums, The Burley skipper declined. So slightly disappointingly, unopposed scrums were the only option.

Burley were quicker to the breakdown, fitter and a well organised side. Their 10 kicked very well and cleverly managed to keep Leos in their own half, despite Leos having the hill advantage in the first half. Several phases of play led to 2 well worked tries being scored by the home side.

Leos tried hard to get some ball but lots of knock ons led to free ball for Burley who used it well. Your scribe took a bang on a knee early in the piece and was replaced by the “ Charlie Hodgson “ lookalike Will. Tim Martin replaced Jason at 10 after Blakey hurt a hand on a cold day. Tim Jesus suffered a similar fate after bravely getting under a huge up and under. He cleared his lines well before he departed.
Tim Martin made an instant impact at 10, running with tenacity, verve and aggression. Up front Tom Clapham again carried well as did Dr Goff who also organised the line out very efficiently. Jamie Scott ran strongly as he always does. Billy Marsh also hit hard in attack and defence, coming close to scoring from a quick tap penalty. Soft Dave drove the ball up getting over the gain line. But the runs were not done in 2s and 3s and body positions were too upright, so when a maul developed Leos often got turned over. We have never been a mauling side, going to ground and rucking did lead to quicker ball, but only rarely. Billy “ the most laid back man on the planet “ cleared up lots of untidy ball at 15, providing a good last line of defence too.

Despite all the effort from Leos Burley defended well and we turned around 12- 0 down despite having had the hill in the first half.
The second half saw Burley use the hill very well. Their 10 made huge ground with the boot, and with Leos starting to chelp the ref pinged the visitors for mouth repeatedly. Stemming the tide was Tim Martin who made several breaks but was then yellowed for an attempted charge down, very odd !

Will hit it up well at 12, and the forwards tried to get over the gain line, but in truth Leos spent most of the 2nd half on the back foot defending. Neil Shaw and Dr Goff tackled their hearts out, Farmer Jim came on and added impetus and an interesting box kick ! Dan the Mann released his frustration after watching the first half by joining in the fun and did his best to get involved.
Amongst a lot of much better pick and go forward by play by Leos, Burley did score a few more tries as Leos tired and tackles were missed.

The last 15 mins saw Leos try everything to avoid another nilling. Burley defended their line and ran out comfortable winners.
The game was played in very good spirits. Burley bought Leos a jug of beer and Leos returned the favour.

Man of the match for Leos was Tim Martin for his hard running, sharp stepping and enthusiasm.

We have played a couple of well organised teams in the last few weeks, and have lost to better teams on both occasions. No shame there.

That said until we play to a set game plan, stop trying to maul, and basicly want it a bit more in defence, we will be unlikely to win against teams of the standard we have faced recently.

We retired to enjoy the friendly atmosphere in the Burley clubhouse before returning to Leos to hear the welcome news that our 1s had won 26-19 against the Leeds Medics.

Onwards and upwards boys ! the wheel will turn, it always does in the end.

It was noted that a certain 1s player with 160 odd Harrogate 1st team caps was to be found cleaning out the dressing rooms at Leos.

Tim Heaton was ably assisted by Tony, our resolute steward.

A time is upon us boys where all players should be asking not what the club can do for them, but what can we all do for our club.

It is time to start volunteering boys, and about time to share the jobs out that need doing every week.

For many years the few have served the many at Leos.

Your humble scribe thinks it may well be time for a change in approach.