More Isandlwana than Rorke’s Drift

Leo’s 3rd XV trip to Wetherby fell into the latter category. Having passed 4 players up to the seconds CJ + could still assemble a rich mixture of skill, experience and youth, including a 4 Cadge offering, to take on the unknown quality and quantity of Wetherby 2nd XV.
Leo’s soon found out that the hosts quantity was high (25) and quality higher with a back line featuring a number of players with semi professional rugby league experience. After a competitive first five minutes the home side cut loose and began running in well worked tries from all directions and distances. The Leo’s defence made tackle after tackle only to see the ball recycled to support runners, spun wide or were just made to look foolish by steps and dummies. Scrums were secure and line-outs a profitable source of possession as this season’s Plan A was relied upon for some hard mauled yards from the pack, ably supported by close quarter crashes from Niall and Kenroy in the centres. Sniping runs from Grant and Dave were repelled and the home side’s turnover skills were often too much for the Leo’s back row who competed valiantly all afternoon.
A modicum of pride was restored by the pack’s driving mauls where Scotty and Cadgey directed and controlled the hardest of hard yards before the backs were allowed a sniff. West Country Wizard James finally broke his duck for a try, which Tackling Tim converted. The back row of JP, CJ+ and James H battled to a standstill but still the Wetherby hordes careered round and through the tiring Leo’s defence. Pack conflict continued as Cadgey and CJ+ were both able to crash over following trundle-tastic work which gave the forwards some reward but hardly bothered the home side.
So, onwards to a probable home fixture against Nestle Rowntrees where the perennial hope is for soft centres and melting defence.