Pack Imperious, Backs Eventually Impressive

Mainly 3rd teamers, with a sprinkling of debutants, youth and a pair of 2nd teamers trekked across the wide expanse of Bedquilts to arrive at the distant Mods pitch. Having juggled positions, players and introductions Leo’s kicked off downhill with the elements in their favour.
The early exchanges indicated that Leo’s would be in for a tough afternoon as Mods piled into the break down and showed fleet footed attacking flair when in possession. However slowly but surely Leo’s steadied the ship and the pack implemented The Plan with some good strong drives from Tom, Cadgy and Jim C. The youthful back row were getting around the park and featured young Rob Cadge, back from University having run out of clean clothes, money, and condoms. With plenty of possession an armchair ride of an afternoon was presented to Dan at 9 to distribute. The pacy back line was almost too fast, of thought if not hand, and opportunities were squandered before a speedy debutant ghosted round wide for a score, quickly followed by a second from Tim M. Despite the possessional and territorial advantage though the somewhat disjointed Leo’s backs couldn’t add to the score so the pack had a go. Both Tom and Si W went close but Mods were defending bravely and kept out the drives and rolling mauls for Leo’s to have a slender 14-0 advantage to defend against slope and wind.
Peculiarly Leo’s found playing uphill into the wind and setting sun something of an advantage and put in a much more cohesive and skilled performance. In the lineouts Scotty and Goffy were soaring to secure Leo’s ball and snaffle the odd Mods throw. The front 5 were driving Mods back at every opportunity and Illy won against the head time and again for more Leo’s possession. Ben, Blakey and Ports worked in harness to set up the fast running back line who, while still dropping the odd ball in over elaboration were clinical in their execution. Young Joe scampered 60 yards along the wing, Tim M added another, and some more tries were scored by unidentified backs charging into the setting sun. Billy retired hurt with a hole in his hand and students staggered off as the previous evening indulgences got the better of them but still Leo’s stuck to their task.
Mods kept slugging it out and never gave up showing determination and skill to the very end. Leo’s defence held firm for the final phases on their own line as Mods pummelled again and again in search of a score they deserved. In the final play it looked like they may have got it but the unsighted ref ruled against them and brought a very entertaining and sporting game to an end.