Leos 3rds - 3rd Win In A Row

Saturday morning dawned cold and crisp in Leeds at 8:10am. The majority of the players selected for the Leos 3s emerged from their beds several hours later, bleary eyed and headsore from a typical Friday night of debauchery and excess. Their esteemed Captain and your scribe, for one week only, amongst them.

Casting aside the dual, and potentially lethal effects of dehydration and donner meat with extra chilli sauce, the troops rallied at Crag Lane. "Where to Captain?" the good men of Leos 3XV cried. "Again, back into the breach my dear brothers and quite probably Call Lane at 2am, but before that Hipperholme and Old Brods!" responded Captain Cranfield.

Directions were issued. Into Bronte country, where within those wild and windy moors lay a challenge to Leos 3s, coming as they were off the back of a 2 game winning streak. The question was, could Leos 3s ascend the Wuthering Heights of last weeks' performance against York?

The line-up looked strong. A view which was only enhanced by the arrival of full-time prop and part-time surgeon Chris Macklin, on-call but still on-duty, we salute you sir! Such was the strength in depth of this week's squad that your scribe (not to mention Captain) opted to watch the first half from the bench, chalk and board in hand.

The game was afoot and a scrappy feast for the eyes it was, at first. Neither side seemed able to control possession and knock-ons and missed opportunities were the order of the day. But gradually Leos began to assert themselves and pattern began to emerge from the chaos which had preceded. Poll, Hill and Atkinson in the back-row were carrying the ball with purpose and the backs led by Young at 9 began to look dangerous.

Fast ball was provided to the backs and some slick passing from Blakey, Monk and Barnett found the ball heading towards Herring, stationed on the right wing. Herring, a man for the big occasion, climbed aboard the show-boat, flicked the ball into his hands via his left boot, and danced across the line. Leos were in front.

Stung by this concession, Old Brods roused themselves in the manner of a betrayed Heathcliff and tore across the moor, towards the Leos try line in search of vengeance. However, the Leos defence stood firm and at a crucial moment Macklin produced a turnover. With this precious turnover ball Leos counter-attacked from inside their own 22, Telfer showing his opposite number a clean pair of heels. Backs and forwards combined as they raced up the pitch, to turn a situation of threat to one of advantage, truly this was modern rugby at its best. And just when it looked like Young had found a blind alley to run down he produced an instinctive and skilful chip and chased onto it to score in the corner.

Tempers in the Old Brods camp were beginning to fray and when Poll produced another bone-shaking tackle in defence they snapped. A punch was thrown. The law abiding Leos were aghast to the extent that almost to a man they forgot to keep playing and Old Brods were able to scamper over for a try. Almost immediately after the successful conversion the whistle for half-time was blown. Old Brods 7 Leos 3s 10.

Roused at half-time by encouraging words from your scribe (and have I mentioned Captain?) and Cadge, Leos were determined to ensure that the final score line was a fair reflection of their dominance. A good chase from the kick-off resulted in a penalty to Leos. Barnett, using the wind, drilled a perfect kick to within 10 metres of the Old Brods' line. Barton found Gough, who was excellent in the line out throughout, with his throw and the forwards rumbled Old Brods over the line for Macklin to score.

Leos continued to dominate and produce some good rugby. The backs were combing well with Edgar joining the line from full back with good effect. Herring was a constant threat, and when Monk beat his man in the middle Herring was on hand to score his 2nd and Leos 4th try.

The game now appeared beyond Old Brods but they were not minded to give up and credit to them for that. On they came testing and probing the Leos defence which looked solid. Raj, on for Telfer at the break, proved to be resolute and cool in defence saving a certain Old Brods try. Another attack by Old Brods only resulted in more turnover ball this time secured by a certain rotund back-rower, who had replaced the tireless Atkinson at the break. This time Young exploited the short blind side and with no little skill set Herring free to race in from 50 yards. Herring had his hat-trick and Leos were right on top.

The heat of the game had begun to burn itself out but there was still time for the embers to produce a couple of sparks. First, Old Brods worked themselves into a good position within the Leos 22. They managed to retain the ball for several phases and eventually found the space they were looking for and secured a consolation try for their efforts. However, the dénouement was yet to come. In the final play Leos had possession just inside the Old Brods 22. Captain Cranners (aka your scribe) looked up from the base of the ruck, spotted a gap, and with pace which was last seem circa 2004 beat two men to cross the line, greedily holding onto the ball instead of passing to the supporting Cadge. Full time, Old Brods 12 Leos 32.

A happy band of Leos players retired from the pitch as the evening gloom drew in across the starkly beautiful windswept moors. The players clutched at their cold limbs but could take comfort in their warm hearts and good sprits. A three match unbeaten run secure and the promise of more glory to come. And then back to Leeds and all the prospects that Saturday night might bring.

Tries

Herring 3
Young 1
Macklin 1
Cranfield 1

Conversions

Barnett 1