Leo’s Purple Patch Shades it over Maroons

With one away win each both sides were looking to secure the season’s bragging rights. Leo’s had assembled a sizable squad including the returning Niall Monk, the returning (again) Howler, and guest beard James. It was also CJ’s last regular game for Leo’s prior to his defection to Scotland and his entourage of Onlsow, The Lip and The Crab were also in attendance.
Leo’s received and were immediately defending stoutly against the large but mobile Morley dangermen. Hard running from 8 and 10 was repelled by backs and forwards alike before the first try was conceded. A second relatively soft one followed before Cadgey rallied the troops and “The Plan” was effected. Rapid pick and drives from Jim, CJ, and The Lip were well supported as Leo’s made good ground. Maulmaster Scotty piloted some drives despite suffering from a broken toe and the backs, with ball and space were constructing opportunities. A reply from The Maltese Falcon set Leo’s on the path of parity and after some more defensive duties the pack drove upfield and set up an equalling score towards the end of the half. There was still time however for Morley to bludgeon their way into Leo’s 22 and their number 8, who had already demonstrated some injudicious footwork, ignored, or more likely admired by The Fozaree , scuffle with The Falcon. The Fozaree issued yellows and Leo’s looked to finish the half with the scores level. Unfortunately at the final breakdown it was JP Murphy rather than a scrum half who apologetically looped a pass to Tim L and his hurried clearance kick missed touch and was run back for a third Morley try.
Clearly still in the game the troops rallied and set about turning round the deficit. With the back row rotating regularly there was always a fresh supporting runner at the breakdown and Leo’s had Morley on the back foot early on. A try and conversion brought the scores level again but Morley were still very much up for it. With their dangerman 10 resting at fullback the offensive moves were less clinical and Leo’s defence was strong. Jonny Mills came on for some hard drives at centre, breaking the gainline and opening up space for the more fleet footed backs, well Tim Martin actually, who during Leo’s best spell of play ran in three tries to take the game well and truly away from Morley. Howler caused back row mayhem, and also scored, along with back row partners Neil and The Lip. The Leo’s defence was breached once more but Morley ran out of ideas and resorted to individual endeavour rather than teamwork. The latter won the day for an exhausted, battered but elated Leo’s. Victory secure and a celebratory leaving streak from CJ brought an end to a very good afternoon sport.