When there’s a Will there’s a way

With original opposition Mods unable to raise a side, Leos travelled to Leeds Corinthians for a re-arranged merit league game, complete with a side containing 5 players with the name William or a derivative thereof.

19 Leos in all descended upon South Leeds and given that the home side were a few short, Nigel Gummerson, Neil Shaw and Richard Carter all volunteered their services at some point throughout the game.

Leos expected physicality from corinthians and the early exchanges were just that, physical.

Hard lines from the corinthians 9 and back row kept Leos on their toes and pinned back but some quick ball unleashed their winger who made a beeline for the whitewash for an opening score.

Sensing a bit of deja vu Leos regrouped and started some phase play of their own, centres Will Crawforth and Will Ofushene made hard yards whilst Tom Gedye delivered slick ball from the base of the ruck. Leos continued probing through the pack and ultimately Billy Marsh poached from close range maintaining a fine 50cm covered per try scored ratio.

The first try buoyed the side who continued to pin the opposition back, Chris Cadge made some stereotypical carries sucking in multiple defenders which allowed younger lads like Gregor and Luke to showcase their pace but the game did start to become an arm wrestle.

Corinthians hit back from a handful of penalties against Leos and sent one of their big lads over for a second score. Loaned Leo Nigel Gummerson deserves some plaudits here for his part in a stunning break from the 22m. Rolling back the years, Big Nige galloped down field evading many a would be tackler. Let’s see more of that when you’re wearing blue next Nige!

Injury woes then started to hit the home side with two lads going down in very quick succession. One with a nasty looking ankle crushing and the other with his ribs, all the best in recovery!

This seemed to rally Leos who won a resultant scrum against the head and cleared their lines, a midfield surge saw the Crawf twinkletoe along the touchline before shipping the inside ball causing some miscommunication at the back allowing pocket rocket Tom Gedye to screech through the cover and over for a second try on the buzzer. With backs turned Rich Edgar missed the conversion, I think the wind was blamed.

More of the same was the call at half time, Leos had gained the upper hand and were looking the stronger side. Corinthians couldn’t quite get a break as most carries were turned into turnovers by Si Winterburn who must have snaffled at least 10 on the day, a classic example of they can’t play if they don’t have the ball.

Phases for Leos however were plentiful but the home side were quick to close down any attacks in the early stages. Eventually quick ball exposed an overlap as new lad Matt Tenniswood drew defenders to unleash a speeding Billy Adam on the wing who dived over for a well earned try.

Not long after Leos we’re back in again with Billy Adam adding a second. Things were starting to click it seemed and with the clock ticking over it looked like the game was only going one way.

Discipline started to dip for the visitors however, much to the delight of the home side who opted to run each penalty forcing Leos to step up their defensive efforts. Neil Shaw and Guy James stepped up on a number of occasions, slowing the ball down and nullifying the charge. That said repeat penalties took its toll on both territory and fitness.

Drift defence held strong forcing what looked like a knock on inches short of the whitewash, the referee however saw it otherwise and awarded the try turning it into a 3 point game with 5 minutes to go...

A midfield skirmish ensued with neither side making much yardage before either knocking on or forcing to touch. One last jackal from Winterburn forced the referees hand who gave the visitors a penalty with the clock in red, Rich duly drilled it home to the sound of the final whistle and a breath of relief for the 3s who claimed their first scalp of the season and a bonus point to boot!

Man of the match goes to Si Winterburn for his turnovers and relentless defence. Another strong game for Tom Gedye who is really starting to boss the rucks and Luke Wyman for being perennial nuisance in the air at lineout time.

A special mention must go to Cadgey refereeing the scrum with the referee rolling out a few calls from a bygone time. We crouched, set, bound, engaged and every so often had a contest!

The 3s return to Kingdom Crag next week to welcome Knaresbrough for more merit league action.