Skipton Survive Late Leo’s Surge

This time Leo’s had a 300% increase in backs but still lined up with Back Row, Back Row, Back Row, Winger, Winger, Hooker, Full Back behind a strong pack, led admirably once again by the rejuvenated Thommo.
An exceptionally keen and officious sounding referee set the game going and a battle royal ensued with no quarter asked, nor given. Tom S ghosted through for an early try which Scotty converted, probably overly settling the visitors who were soon on the back foot defending for their lives. Burly home backs were difficult to stop despite Winters, JP and Billy all throwing themselves onto the anvil of human endeavour time and again. Skipton scored a 7 pointer, then took a three pointer as they realised the Leo’s defence was going to be a tough one to breach. The Leo’s pack were working hard in the loose as ball was secured and recycled for Matt W to try to get the backs (or other forwards!) adding the speedy yards. The midfield battle was intense as the referee policed a very wide gate and the longest advantages possible, leading to cheap shots, rib crunching side charges and general fractiousness as neither pack wished to surrender possession or territory. After some ferocious defence from the whole team was eventually eroded Skipton increased their lead to 15-7 with the half time break approaching. There was still time for Leo’s spirit to shine forth and after a quick turnover Gav hacked through and blundered over out wide, perhaps too wide even though the only “chaser” was Matt Wilton. Scotty was just short with the extras and Leo’s turned round with a three point deficit to overcome.
The second half proceeded in the expected manner. The referee became slightly more erratic and both packs battled it out enjoying the license allowed. Billy received a trampling while defending bravely and shouty-pushy-cuffs ensued as Scotty and Carl almost defended the brave little fellow. With Isaac playing the nuisance role for which he is famed it was only a matter of time before proper fisticuffs broke out and the Kenyan pugilist was given a rest, along with a Skipton fatty. Skipton added another penalty to extend their lead before Leo’s upped their intensity, spirit and endeavour in search of a victory. With secure ball at a premium it needed a bit of backs magic, from either of them, to give Leo’s a chance. Tom Stubbly made the break, then the extra dart and step, followed by the collapse over the line, well wide of Scotty’s range. With 5 minutes to go and a point to overcome Leo’s threw themselves into the challenge, which Skipton repulsed bravely and occasionally not very nicely. With the clock ticking down the forwards drove into the heart of the Skipton 22. Matt W was pulled into the resultant ruck, not once, but twice, being fully de-shirted in the process. The referee held his hand out in a “penalty advantage style” allowing Scotty to select the patch of grass from where to miss the match-winner! Thommo picked and drove, the ball went to ground, Scotty started building his tee, and the referee blew for time! Matt flounced off, Scotty sulked, the rest of the Leo’s team looked confused, and the referee mumbled a bit.
Skipton had defended their hard earned lead well but the 4th XV spirit remains intact, although somewhat battered and bruised.