Muddy Glory

Muddy Glory

Leos 3 assembled away at Morley after a protracted journey. We were not quite late but Cadgey was for once not the last to arrive !

The pitch was boggy and dictated to a certain extent the brand of rugby that was to be played. Morley had the better of the opening exchanges with good drives from their forwards. Leos when we got the ball seemed to find new ways to cough up possession, a rolling maul would do sterling work and then somehow the ball would be handed forward to the next man in support, or a pass would be dropped, to a point not surprising in the swamp like conditions.

In the backs Morley tackled well and the heavyweight centre partnership of Messrs Barnett and birthday boy could not break through. Jamie Young, also known as the most charming man, had a few good sniping runs but to be honest across the team we were off the pace and often we were not in support of a lone runner. Result turnover ball.

Morley had a useful 10 who on a dry pitch doubtless would have caused us more problems. As it was he kicked well and varied his play with intelligence. Leos defence held firm with several crunching hits being made. Leos had chances to score but we managed to butcher these chances which led to some fairly vocal frustration from an apoplectic stand in captain.

The first half was largely stalemate with neither side being able to register a score. The halftime words from Cadgey were to execute the original game plan of pick and go to suck in the home defence and only when we were in a position where the backs could do some damage to spin it out wide. Birthday boy had asked the ever slimming behemoth to talk due to not trusting himself to keep calm, and at that he had snapped at Macklin which was uncalled for as Chris was only trying to be positive.
The second half was a different animal. Morley began with gusto but once Leos had resisted the initial surge they started to get some dominance up front. Poll and Goff began to rumble along with Gareth, and Cadgey ran with the ball more than I can ever remember. Some of his hand offs were brutal and he made lots of hard muddy yards. Morley tackled manfully but were now on the back foot.

Niall had gone into the forwards and presently showed them how to secure quick ball !

There was was one memorable immotive force meets immovable object moment when Cadgey ran at full tilt into a determined defender. He got well over the gain line as the watching backs visibly winced at the impact. Poll was by now having a big influence on proceedings as he smashed anything that moved and carried strongly. With front foot ball Jason started to get his backs going. Barnett took a flat pass from the most charming man, we used to call this missile in the days of Sellars at 9. James Barnetts version is called honeyball , and he made huge yards as the defence was splintered.

All this pressure finally led to a try, no idea if I will get the order right but I think it was a rolling maul that propelled Gareth over the line. This was no more than Leos deserved for a much more cohesive effort. Morley did not wilt and continued to try and run ball of their own but Leos held firm in defence with some heavy tackling across the pitch. Gribben had put in a notable effort in his first game back and took a deserved rest to be replaced by the doppiest rugby player since well frankly doppy of the seven dwarfs variety ! Raj. To be fair Raj is still learning the game. But honesty WAKE UP !

There was more good work from the forwards and strong running in the backs, notably from The Diddy Doc at 15 who ran every kick back and predictably always got well over the gainline, and the wiry Haire junior. This led to a second try I think for Poll. Leos upped the ante as they sensed blood and Morley began to struggle to stem the muddy tide. The most charming man nipped in for a try showing good strength after excellent approach work by his forwards. Birthday boy also had an effective run as all his frustration was exorcised, he was held up 10 yards short, and failed to release the ball the supporting Cadgey. However we recycled it and good hands led to Haire Jnr crossing out wide.

As the game entered the final 10 mins Morley made a great effort to avoid a nilling. They very nearly scored a few times but were held up by superb defence.

Leos ran out 20 – 0 winners. Today was a game played in very good spirits as it always is with Morley.

Man of the match was close, Tom Goff nearly won it for great lineout work and plenty of hard yards but really there was only 1 winner. Poll inspired that second half performance and had one of his most effective days. He wins man of the match.

AS we walked down the tunnel Raj was already texting ! ah the impetuosity of youth.

So Leos continue their season with a notable win away from home, We wish Cranfield our poorly leader a speedy recovery form a nasty viral infection, methinks he may be working a tad too hard !

We retired to celebrate a certain centres 40th Birthday first at The Regent and Then El Bareto. Gabes had rounded up a few waifs and strays so we welcomed FFFFFFFFordy and I was most delighted to see JD who had originally had other plans. Jason London joined us so Leos old and new were well represented.

The wine flowed, good food was eaten and Lovers was most touched by an extraordinary gift.

A ticket on The Champaigne Express to watch England v Scotland.

Seriously boys that is a very kind and generous gift and for once I am speechless !

Lovers