Generous Leo’s Gift Rowntrees a Victory

Rowntrees were one short so Rob Shaw and JP Murphy were kindly handed over for a half each and a frenetic game of erratic rugby developed in the sunshine.
A traditional Leo’s beginning was rewarded by two early tries from Rowntrees. The visitors defence was disorganised and disinterested as the home side sliced through to open up a 12-0 lead before anyone had really decided if they were going to play any rugby. Enthused by the returning behemoth that is Cadgey Leo’s began to apply themselves and despite a dearth of possession at the lineout once the pack got their hands on the ball some territory was won. Boosted by some driving mauls the backs joined in with snipey Cagde Lite and crab-like Blakey worked their magic to no avail against a strong home defence. Even Scotty’s delightful chip and chase came to nought as lively Si Burton just failed to capitalise after overtaking the labouring lock forward. Eventually the pressure told and from another fine drive Poll and Carl crashed over. Unfortunately Thommo had to leave the field with an eye injury so the pack advantage was removed with passive scrummaging. The Ambler joined the fray and the pack continued to fight for every yard against a tenacious but offending Rowntrees. Penalties were conceded by the home side and eventually Leo’s made one count with a quick tap and a charge over from Carl, which Scotty converted.
Level at the break and with their danders up Leo’s felt they could finish off the chocolateers. For twenty minutes they camped in the Rowntrees 22 and squandered every scoring opportunity. Unsupported breaks were turned over, supported breaks were ignored and Carl was unlucky not to scoop up a bobbler. All this profligacy was punished with a rapier like counter attack giving the home side the lead. Back came Leo’s and even The Portly magician magiced up a turnover with illusory courage. Rob, Si. Billy and Blakey all tried to conjure up a telling break, even Tim Leslie made a touch hugging run, but once again Rowntrees held firm, turned over and scored. From the restart the reliable short kick for Carl to catch was replaced by a short kick for CJ to volley laterally into space for the bemused backs. Rowntrees scored again with Tim revealing his Kevball roots by standing and appealing for a decision like the Arsenal back four in their pomp as Rowntrees dribbled past him. The final score went to Leo’s as a small amount of pride was restored with a Blakey try in the last play of the match ensuring Leo’s scored 17 for the third successive week.