Mods Win A Muddy Meeting Manifesting Mightier Merit

In admirably seeking to field 3 teams, for around only the 2nd time this season, the Leos 3s were left with 10 players.

Mods thankfully arrived with 25 and some handing out of backs was generously done by Mods . Thus a competitive game got underway in muddy conditions. The early skirmishes were even ish with Mods maybe having a slight edge in the scrum. Leos were strong at lineout time winning nearly all their own ball and stealing a fair bit of Mods ball too.

Leos scored a couple of well worked tries one by their backs ,and one by Carl who having been held up a few times over the line had another more determined go and touched down.

The White Ghandi at 9 for Leos lasted the whole game , and his cultured boot was in evidence to good effect, nearly, but not quite as much as his mouth.

“ Bring him down Legolas !! “ was his war cry as a Mods forward broke through the Leos defences, much laughter all round from both teams.

Up front Neil stole ball bravely sticking his head where it hurts, Carl drove, Cadgey rumbled and chelped, finally receiving a stern talking to from the Ref who was having none of his endless stream of commentating on every decision nonsense. Nigel complete with Movember Bikers handlebar facewear played well in the close quarter action. Scotty linked play cleverly always in support, often there when other younger boys were not. Bamber got stuck in to and it was good to see Simon back in Leos colours. The Mods lad who played 10 for Leos was elusive and skilful and with quick ball he spun it out wide, where only strong defence by Mods kept Leos from a 3rd score. The returning James Hobman ran powerfully from his wing and often took 3 to stop him, as he went in with a very low body position, great to see the flying winger back where he should be on a sat pm !

Mods did score a good try and at halftime the score was12/7 and anyones game.

With some more swapping of players the second half was a little different.

Mods hooker, who was a 1st teamer returning from injury, stop being a cock womble and started to just play very well. His Director of Rugby at halftime had made a point of approaching the Ref and giving his full support should a yellow card be needed. Thankfully all boys stayed on the pitch. Mods played the better rugby, they went in 2s and 3s up front whereas Leos often went alone, and their backs tore Leos to bits out wide with pace , strong running lines and good finishing. There were lots of scrums in the wet conditions and a fair few penalties when boys got isolated.

Despite Mods scoring several good tries Leos never capitulated and tried with might and main to stay in the game. They did not manage another try but no shame in losing to a well drilled more skilful team on the day.

The final score was Leos 12 / Old Mods 38.

The game was played in very good spirits as it always is with Mods and Leos remain very grateful for their help in getting a hard fought and enjoyable game on.

Our 2 suffered a similar fare against a strong Ripon 2s but our 1s travelled to the bad lands of Knottingley and came away with a creditable win.

So next week bring your mates, drag boys out of ridiculous early retirement , save others from trips to IKEA and lets try and get a full 3 teams out !