Spirit Unbroken, Pride Intact, Nose Shattered

CJ+ rallied a gallant fourteen against a numerous Knottingley who seemed reluctant to even up the numbers. With Dave H “promoted” Scotty once again settled in to the front row for a tough afternoon at the scrummaging coalface. CJ+ and Carl also moved out of their comfort zones into the backs and Raj was welcomed onto the wing for his seasonal debut.
Despite being both numerically and positionally challenged Leo’s played some brave and adventurous rugby against a lively and combative home side. As has been the story of the season touch-finders not finding touch were Leo’s undoing early on as the broken fiied returns from Knottingley caused havoc and mayhem for Carl and his trusty back line to keep at bay. Eventually one wayward kick too many was returned for the first score. Leo’s finally settled in to Plan A with the pack belying their lack of numerical parity to drive up field with a collection of Rido charges, Si and Neil support and Scotty bulk clearance to camp in the home sides 22. Quality Medical combination line-out ball was mauled forward despite the clear attempts at collapsing from Knottingley. A kickable penalty was shunned (It’s not in our game) and the kick to the corner was clinically secured and driven over with Neil claiming the try out wide. Scotty scooped over the extras and Leo’s were back in it.
Knottingley kept replenishing their side with backs, upping the levels of pace, elusiveness and consanguinity while Leo’s suffered from losing the Rhinopottamus for 10 minutes. A try was conceded before the pack fronted up again. In the set scrums ball was secure and some “against the heads” won by Dr Chris as the front five battled for supremacy. A second Leo’s forward drive sent Dr Tom over and at the break Leo’s were holding on to a slender 12-10 lead. All Q’s magical supplies were required to revitalise the flagging 14 men as they discussed that Plan A remained the only option for victory.
Brutality levels were raised in the second half as the home side realised Leo’s were not going to give up their lead without a fight. Tackles got higher, arms got swingier and the odd haymaker thrown. Neil, playing on with only one usable shoulder was particularly lucky to avoid a left hook although Scotty claimed he just pushed the assailant off balance before running away! Dr George left the field and the Leo’s 13 featured only 11 fit men.
Knottingley scored to take the lead before the backs (who were mainly forwards) got in on the act and Carl scored out wide. Raj hit the post with his distant conversion attempt and the scores were level at 17 all going into the last quarter. The Leo’s pack once again drove into the heart of the home side and got trampled and battered for their pains. Grant and Niall ran close to support as possession was commodity not to be wasted. Another catch and drive set up a chance for Niall to pop over from a yard and Leo’s were back in front. Knottingley got tetchier. A surprising show of back play opened up the home side as CJ+ charged through the centre but was unable to supply hard working Wing Wizard James with a chance for glory and the forward pass was ruled. Exhausted Leo’s finally succumbed as Knottingley worked up field. Penalties were conceded and eventually tired tackling let them in under the posts for a 2 point lead and three minutes left. Still Leo’s didn’t give up and battered their way forward once again. In the Knottingley 22 for the final play recycled ball found Raj who boshed in with support drivers only to have his nose shattered by a raised knee. The game ended in disarray and recrimination but Leo’s can take a lot from the performance. The feeling of disappointment felt in the changing room testament to the spirit and endeavour shown by the gallant 14 men.