The big freeze abates and the 3s finally record a win !

The big thaw leads to a much needed win for the 3s

With the snow finally disappearing the Leos 3s with a large contingent of 2s players took on a committed Morley team at the crag.

We would have welcomed some of the 4s but they preferred to get drunk instead of choosing to play rugby.

Leos had a very classy backline with lots of pace and skill once it got outside the 12 channel !

As soon as the forwards had won quick ball Jack Haire fired the ball out and Blakey tried to unleash the likes of Russ Brown, JCT and the Diddy Doc Pete Herring.

However Leos were not helped by a continous flow of knock ons and dropped ball, nearly every time we made a break someone would drop the ball or make a forward pass at the crucial moment.

In the forwards Charlie Chesters made lots of hard y
ards, he is a fearsome ball carrier who just looks horrible to try and stop ! Morley did bravely tackle him but only after he had got us on the front foot more often than not.

He was backed up by Chris and Burdy of the Nick variety who were both always in support. More good quick ball led to Chris surging away for the first try of the day, this was converted.

Morley were always up for the battle in the best kind of way, making their tackles and trying to run it back at Leos.

After a blockbusting run from Charlie most of the team were very surprised to see Lovers when only 7 yards out pass to Russ who powered his way over to score, con missed.

However Leos really did have pace to burn in the backs well most of them anyway, Russ , JCT and the diddy doc were all making searing breaks often from deep causing havoc amongst the Morley ranks.

We were only stopped from scoring several tries by more forward passes or dropped ball. Also Cadgey who is normally a very fair ref seemed to be in a slightly picky mood penalising us for any offence he could find ! This did interrupt the flow of the game somewhat.

Lovers was struggling to get into the game and missed a routine tackle, his bacon was saved by a brave head on tackle by the diddy doc on a much bigger lad.

Leos reached halftime in control of the game having had most of the ball but only a couple of scores up.

The halftime words were for a bit more effort and composure and the tries would come.

The second half was a much better effort all round. JCT nearly scored try of the season, beating most of the oppo only to be stopped by a last ditch desperate tackle. The diddy doc ran every ball back from deep and rolled back the years displaying great feet and using his pace to make massive inroads.

Tom Tweddle was now at 10 and he directed the attacks well showing good hands and a slickness that was making the game flow more as it wore on.
Binloss also popped up and made good ground showing his general elusiveness, and rugby nous.

Niall was now on at 12 and he threw a lovely dummy only to then pass the ball to me on the ground not the man !

Jamie Scott led the forwards with energy and Leos continued to have the lions share of possession. Stuart made good yardage as did Chris and the ever present Charlie.

Charlie was clearly up for the game and he did get a bit grumpy with some minor handbags at 5 paces. Cadgey soon soted that out and the game continued to be played in very good spirits.

Morley did win some ball and their 10 ran very well, he did not pass much so their attacks were somewhat 1 dimensional.

Leos scored more tires though good handling from forwards and backs alike. Burden of the Tom variety came on to good effect. Tries were scored by Binloss, Tweds and some others I have probably forgotten.
Russ butchered a great chance as he chased a kick through only to knock the ball on as he tried to gather it on the line, his face was a picture !

He also after a break passé to where a normal winger should have been unfortunately for him his winger was some slow fat centre who was a little deeper than he should have been ! the ball rolled into touch to much general hilarity all round ! Afterwards Russ said I thought you were JCT if only I was pace wise !!

Birdy departed with a gash to his forehead and unfortunately for Leos Lovers was the only person who could come on. He did make 1 half descent catch in his 22 and did not call a mark as he wanted to bosh someone.

Morley did kick a penalty and then in a comedy moment score a try. Tom Tweds tried to fire a pass out, this pinged right into Charlies swede and bounced up into the grateful arms of a surprised Morley player who sauntered in to score a try. This was no more than they deserved for never giving up.

The final score was 32 – 8 to leos.

The game was great fun and played in good spirits by both teams.
Man of the match was The Diidy Doc Pete Herring who put in a wonderful performance at full back, he ran very well and made some vital tackles, this was vintage Herring !

We retired to watch the 1s lose a very tight game to Skipton and enjoy some beers.

Next week Captain Cranners returns so please try and make his life easy by being available if you possibly can.

Lovers.