Effeteness and Confusion gifts Cas Vegas

Having despatched Castleford in their own back yard the previous week Leo’s 3rd XV (albeit with a heavy reliance on 4th XV troops) were expecting to complete a league double on a sunny afternoon in Leeds. Whether it was the extensive squad, the constant changes in personnel and position, or the expectation of an easy win Leo’s were not up to the task, and Castleford showed application and nous to secure a victory.
The Leo’s mindset was a relaxed “make it up as we go along” one as the two sides embarked on Leo’s v Cas Vegas part II. The home side had an experienced pack winning decent possession and the backs, enlivened by Rob Shaw and Blakey were more than a match for their opposite numbers. With the front five securing the scrums and the faultless line-out combination of Scotty lobbing to Newnsy there was plenty of clean ball or mobile mauling to keep Cas on the back foot. The catch and drives from the hard working pack were particularly impressive and should have led to points but for a lack of organisation at the back. However, a dearth of clinical application when scoring opportunities arrived, and general feebleness at the breakdown meant that for all the territory, pressure and possession Leo’s only score in the first half came from Billy who swooped on a Cas error to scamper home. The visitor’s response was instant, highlighting Leo’s lack of mental steel, and it was 7-7 immediately. Despite bullocking runs from Phil the Power and Carl and speed from The Herring and Billy no more points were secured and it was still all square at the break.
JP and Cadgy tried to rouse the troops from their torpidity as player’s swapped shirts, debated positions and generally showed scant application for the battle ahead. Cas were certainly up for it, sensing the air of disinterest as they flew into the attack in the second half. Despite Simon H’s longing advances the tiddly young winger showed him and everyone else a clean pair of heels as the visitors took a deserved lead. The arrival of Chris Macklin and Jimmy G to the front row didn’t reduce the packs efficiency but still there wasn’t enough urgency to take the game on. Niall came in to nine and Kenroy into the back line as Leo’s considered a response to Castleford’s challenge. A good break from Phil set up Kenroy who charged through tackles for a 60 yard gallop to the line, titivated with a cheeky thumbs up to the crowd before touching down. Scotty added a second pair of extras before departing to allow the pack to be further refreshed.
Not disheartened by the Leo’s score Cas threw themselves into the contest once again and scored a third well worked try. Cadgey returned to the fray angrily as Rhett, who actually did give a damn, left the field equally angrily. Despite a final ten minutes played in a previously unseen passion there was to be no dramatic victory for Leo’s. Carl and Newnsy both had good runs to the line thwarted by scrambling defence and the forwards were never in support enough to make a difference. It was a hard lesson learnt for Leo’s who will no doubt lick their wounds, reapply themselves for the battles ahead but not forget the empty feeling of what might have been.