Strong defence keeps Ossett at bay

But Ossett is no Selby and the home side kept their 2nd XV intact, augmented slightly by a couple of 1st teamers, while also lending us Prop Sam and ex Leo Tom Sprott to ensure a highly competitive and enjoyable contest to bring down the curtain on the regular season.
Playing up hill in the first half Leo’s set about getting quick ball away from the competitive breakdown area and release the strong back line where Jewey was hoping to last more than 10 minutes and Kenroy was hoping to catch the ball! The forwards were in for a hard day at the coalface against a strong, motivated and aggressive Ossett pack. Tom came in for some early treatment but the referee kept things under control with a very competent display all game. Quick ball fed through Jake and Jewey gave the backs time and space to make good inroads into the Ossett defence and when the ball was recycled Gav scampered through for an early score, which Scotty converted. Ossett looked dangerous though and Leo’s needed to tackle strongly and clear up well with Ben H revelling in the more domestic chores in midfield. The pack were well anchored by guest Sam and showed their spirit by winning an “against the head” on their own 5 yard line as Ossett upped the pressure. Not to be outdone by their grafting forwards the backs ran from deep and interplayed delightfully as a near length of the field move resulted in JP touching down and Jake converting. The lineouts were working well with Gav finding newly converted lock Newnsy and more possession was exploited, Kenroy caught a pass, now that Jewey understood the need for “sympathy”, and the burly centre crashed through and almost forgot to touch down. Scotty extended the lead to 21-0 as half time approached.
Ossett strengthened their line up for the second half and set about a 40 minute onslaught, cheered on by a sizeable crowd. 2 tries were quickly conceded as Ossett managed to get the ball out to their very pacy wings, before Leo’s realised that there was still some work to be done. Defensive duties were increased as every contact became a skirmish for possession and the ferocity level was raised. Kinga enquired of the referee whether he could punch the fellow who elbowed him. The excellent referee denied The Kenyan his retribution and the contest continued on the right side of sporting. Tom and Carl were starved of possession from which to exploit their more pedestrian opponents as Leo’s arranged the wagons in a circular pattern for the final 15 minutes. Ossett piled on the pressure but even when two scores were needed, and the referee looking at his watch the Leo’s defence showed courage and commitment to keep them out. A double smother tackle from JP and Carl, keeping a huge Ossett forward held up over the line was the 4th XV spirit personified as a titanic struggle was brought to a halt and the Leo’s 4th XV levelled their regular season at 12 wins and 12 defeats, while edging a contest of just the right intensity to prepare them for the Barber Bowl on Friday. Handshakes all round before Jake won the MOM drink- off, Josh won the raffle, and Tom S won the Knob of the Day drink off with Guest Sam to give Leo’s a clean sweep in a most enjoyable outing, where Ossett demonstrated how sporting social rugby should be conducted at our level.