Yet another unequal battle

Gabes had worked his magic to produce a social game against Rishworthians 3rds. On arrival though, CJ+ and his disparate band found that the 2nd team’s opponents had blobbed mid week and that Leo’s would be taking on a “mainly 3rd XV” squad of 23.
Having suffered some late drop outs Leo’s had 14 but not necessarily the correct 14 positionally, and were lent a wing. Scotty once again stepped up to the front row where he has now battled for 67% of the season rather than his engine room comfort zone. CJ+ likewise took up the bosh position at inside centre and there was a welcome return from Jon Mills after 2 years out with a cruciate injury. The early exchanges were fairly even as both sides tested each other out with tentative attacks, repelled by solid defence. The Leo’s backs held a firm, if rather wobbly line but eventually the speed of thought and deed of the home side worked an opening for an early score. Leo’s concentrated on Plan A and the pack drove forward with Neil, Dr Tom and James to the fore with good support from Scotty, Cadgy and Phil. CJ+ and Jon both crashed up the middle bravely and close to the supporting pack and possession was retained and recycled by Rob and Dave in the half back positions. Good work was occasionally spoilt by lack of support and wayward expansive effort but Leo’s were more than a match for their opponents. Another breakaway gave Rishworth a 2 try lead but the Leo’s spirit was unbroken. The scrums were solid and lineouts secure for setting up driving mauls for hard yards. One such maul ended up with Dr Tom just failing to ground the ball over the line despite the weight of Scotty spooning him forward. The backs came close to scoring too but Rishworth held firm until the final play. What followed was probably the best spell of Leo’s rugby this season as no less than 11 phases of recycled drives were executed by both backs and forwards before there was an inch of space for Dave G to dart through and Scotty to add the extras.
At 12-7 down Leo’s were back in the contest. However the home side had other ideas and introduced subs who were demonstrably better than those they replaced
As the strength and skill of the home side increased with every substitution so Leo’s suspicions were raised further by the arrival of spectators (3rd XV players?) shouting across the field “you told me the 3rds game was cancelled”. Still Leo’s stuck to the now somewhat unequal task as the home side’s backs sped up and became more elusive and the forwards battle more furious. Good breaks from Simon C and Dave G kept the home defence on their toes but tackles weren’t missed and there was little chance of a Leo’s breakthrough. Neil retired hurt and Rishworth lent another. Brave in last ditch defence and solid in driving the ball up field Leo’s kept battling to a standstill as Rishworth turned the screw and scored the tries necessary to secure the victory.
This was a much more enjoyable contest compared to recent weeks and hopefully the Portly Magician can magic up another suitably sporting and honest opposition for next time.