Brave Leo’s battlers hold out for epic victory

CJ was left wondering to where all the players vanish as he was left with 14 to pit their wits against an experienced and numerous home squad. Demonstrating his resourcefulness CJ ambled over to the crowd of opponents undergoing a furious warm up and retuned with a veritable plethora of guests, including two competitive props, who were keen to play, and put one over on the group who had shunned them. Such is social rugby at this level.
Leo’s set about the task with calm assuredness, for once, and a game plan was adhered to. A back row of Carl, Chris and Sach made themselves available for the carries while clearing support was provided by CJ, Scotty and Cadgey before the repetitious tactic was worked by Rob at 9. When space was created the returning student Jack Haire tried to bravely make gaps on his own and when flattened by the superb Ripon back row reverted to introducing the ball to the rest of the backs. Ripon were competing well at the break down and security of possession was challenging but Leo’s stuck to their task. Defensively no quarter was given as the visitors held firm and repelled all onslaughts from the home side that had bags of experience and ideas. The Ripon 10 favoured the boot but his kicks were retuned strongly by Billy, Greg and Matt. Eventually the referee, who handled the game very well all afternoon, awarded a kickable penalty to Ripon and despite the shame of taking three points at this level that is exactly what Ripon did!
Leo’s pressed Ripon back into their 22 for long period and came close to scoring with Carl, set up by Scotty falling just short. Hooker Ben’s perfect throws set up some good catch and drive opportunities but Ripon were strong in defence until space was eventually worked for guest prop to crash over out wide and Leo’s took a 5-3 lead to the break.
Refreshed with new blood, mainly from the home guests Leo’s had a fight on their hands to defend the slender lead. For long periods they were pinned in their own 22 throwing themselves in harm’s way in brave resistance. Break-outs of pace and sure handling made good quick yards which touch judge Dave struggled to keep up with without spilling his beer. Eventually Ripon scored and converted leaving Leo’s 10-5 down. Cadgey gave the call to arms and Leo’s courageously drove their way back into enemy territory, reverting to their pick and drive master plan. George ran in hard from centre, well supported by the Leo’s back row who provided quick ball for a pop to Carl who managed to round the large back rower and score wide enough out to challenge Jack’s conversion skills. A right foot curler added the extras and Leo’s had ten minutes to hold out. This they did with heart and spirit, and a little good fortune as Ripon missed a kickable three pointer in the dying minutes to secure an unlikely but thoroughly deserved victory against a strong sporting Ripon side.