Billy the Hero as Leo’s Succumb to Pirate Assault

A sticky pitch was something of a disadvantage to the top of the ground thoroughbreds on both sides but probably suited Leo’s more. There was a 3rd XV debut for Johnny Kulik and a welcome return for Joe Derry who formed a fresh back row partnership with Billy and Stevo. A lack of props and the late thieving of Cadgy meant the Fozaree had one less thing to worry about and a highly competitive encounter ensued.
Leo’s began in their usual relaxed fashion, allowing the Pirates to secure possession and momentum as their quick handed play and pace cut through the home sides defence. An early try was conceded followed by a second from the restart and Leo’s were looking down the barrel of a musket and a second heavy piratical defeat. Slowly though the pack began to compete for possession and the frenetic breakdown became a battle rather than a gentleman’s excuse me. With ball in hand the pack drove forward with maul maestros Scotty and Jim controlling the advance before the backs were allowed to play. Johnny and Blakey worked well, Tim and Playjoy made yards and the back row, where Billy excelled, was there in support. Tenacious defence kept Leo’s out before some panic and disarray let the Pirates back in with a soft try and all Leo’s hard work came to nought.
No longer dispirited the home side once again worked good field position with Rob, Tom and the back row causing the Pirates all sorts of problems before the backs once again tried to burst through. Eventually it was a bludgeoning Playjoy who powered over and Tim added the extras as the half drew to a close. At 21-7 it was still very much a contest and Leo’s were definitely up for the challenge. For the first 20 minutes of the second half the home side threw all they had into both defence and attack as a brutal war of attrition developed in the middle of the park. Furious and fractious rucks and counter rucks threatened to boil over but The Fozaree kept a good humoured lid on proceedings, just.
Eventually the superior skillset and organisation of the invading Pirates made the difference and weary Leo’s were breached once again. Heads never dropped, but bodies did and despite courageous last ditch defence from James and Simon a couple more scores were conceded by the battle weary home side. Bloodied but unbowed, Leo’s can be proud of their performance against a very well organised side.