Leos lose a good natured match away at Moortown

Leos 3s lose out to committed Moortown team

Captain Cranfield had assembled a motley crew who in a late change of plan played away at Moortown rather than home to West Park.

With Cranfield running the Berlin Marathon Lovers again deputised as Captain for the day.

In the dressing room Harry, aka The Leos Lip, was firmly told to keep his mouth shut on the field of play as if he did not and got smacked by the oppo we would not come to his rescue.

His comical response was “ But I always keep my mouth shut ! “ This prompted huge guffaws from his teammates
!
Moortown started the better and were well up for the game. Good forward drives and slick back play led to the home team scoring a few well deserved tries.

Leos were sleepy and falling off tackles and not really at the races. Temporary Captain Lovers left his team in no doubt that if we did not respond we were going to be on the end of some fearful humpty.
Leos did up the anty with Hairy to the fore in leading the forwards. Andy Hill, supported by his fiancée, his dad and various pretty sisters in law to be, took the ball up with gusto making good yards. Liam Norman Adams also took the game to the oppo as he made a welcome return despite the continuing absence of his boyfriend Rich Crompton.

Despite Hairy wanting Leos to take the points by having a shot at goal Lovers decided to let Richie Edgar kick into the corner. This was with with a firm “ I will make the decisions around here !” from a slightly grumpy captain. This was after Lovers had made a fearful mess of a kick to touch which had gone dead. From the resulting lineout a superb catch and drive was executed and Andy Hill was driven over the line to score. Suddenly Hairy was declaring Lovers a tactical genius ! a bit strong but at least Leos were in the contest at last.

Moortown had a few ex 1st teamers playing and were very good with quick ball. Their 10 ran the moves well and the 13 was a class player, stepping defenders at will and showing good skills.

At 12-5 it was anyones game but unfortunately for Leos early season rustiness was apparent and some miscommunication involving Harry led to a soft try being conceded. At this point Leos woke up and an irate Lovers made his frustrated feelings clear.

Adam, Macklin and Capel started to take the ball up well creating quick ball for Jamie Young to whip away to Murray at 10. He organised some concerted attacks well with Niall running good lines. Paul Malone supported and finally Harry started to get some ball. From one such attack Harry set off on a quite brilliant run beating countless defenders to score a wonderful solo try under the posts.

This fired Leos and efforts were increased across the team. Murray jinked well creating space for others, Edgar came into the line at pace and Jamie Young attempted to snipe. Lovers was a bit dazed from a solid tackle and did not really know where he was for a bit. However the rotund one placed a delicate chip ahead for the speedier Harry to chase gaining useful ground.

At some point halftime arrived. The words were for more effort as the game was there to be won. Raj made his Leos debut on the wing and played very well running strongly and putting in his tackles to noisy support from the Leos supporters.

Jake Capper went to 9 and Capell departed to watch the rhinos get stuffed so we went to unopposed scrums. This at least meant we won some clean ball as it had been a bit scrappy earlier on. Moortown were just a little bit more savvy than Leos and again scored a couple of tries to take a commanding lead. Thankfully Leos responded well and through the outstanding efforts of most of the team started to exert some concerted pressure. The ref kept awarding Leos penalties which Edgar put boot to gaining valuable ground. The line out worked well and from this quick ball Murray tried to unleash his backs. Moortown defended well but Leos kept coming. In one promising attack Jamie Young tried an ambitious back of the hand pass which went horribly wrong and a few yards forward to boot.

The game was in its last moments when Harry again came to the fore, he set off down the wing on a run and chose to kick ahead. He weighted his kick beautifully and the onrushing Malone won the race to touch down and score the last try of the game. Leos lost this game 31- 17 but never gave up and definitely ended the stronger.

The game was played in a good spirit and was an enjoyable affair between 2 committed sides.

Moortown deserved to win as they were a bit fitter and sharper around the park.

Raj made a notable debut but Man of the match was by some distance Harry Walkden who was quite superb in both attack and defence. We wish him well as he departs for Durham Uni.

Leos retired to the bar and then back to the club to hear the good news that the 1s, 2s and 4s had all had good wins. Particular congratulations to the 1st team who have made a great start to the season winning 3 out 4, long may that continue.

Final Score Moortown 31 – Leos 17

Tries Hill, Malone, Walkden

Con Edgar 1.

Report by Lovers.