Festival Curtain Raiser Brings Curtain Down on 15-a-side Season

Jack Haire lured a merry band of Medics from Pater Ian’s Alma Mater to take on the creamy froth of a Leo’s Presidents XV. A balmy evening ensured that the corporate thirst slakers were able to stumble to pitch side and encourage the combatants as they threw themselves into rugby battle for a final time this season.
As expected the visitors were of student age and fitness with the exception of their larger than life TV star. Leo’s were more a pot pouri of age (Scotty 50 ½) and size (Si Dowling XXXL). Leo’s settled quicker into their stride, probably because they hadn’t been refreshed appropriately for the occasion and soon worked some good position for some direct backs moves and good running lines. The Medics defended bravely and were competitive at the breakdown with bruising clear-outs. The first score went to the visitors after a gift interception. Leo’s who had guest Josh to thank for back row support running came back hard with the speedsters in the backs finishing off with a great team try with aplomb. Tom Bindloss, Stuey Norton and Tweds kept up the work rate in the backs while the pack battered and drove into the heart of the Medics with Si D, Tim Heaton and Faz earning yardage. After a second Leo’s try set up by the slippery Fishy the Medics came back with another of their own as the game ebbed and flowed. Fringing tackles, maul repelling and general tidying from the Scotty+Neil engine room set the backs free again and a lead was opened up. Lineout’s were a tad erratic as Scotty was not used to being launched so high but the scrums were solid and Leo’s closed out the half in reasonable control.
The half time cooling ale was delivered in, and also by, impressive jugs as both sides refreshed themselves and their line-ups. The second half ebbed and flowed as only a tour match can. A rare kick would be booed by the growing crowd and most balls were run back from wherever at whatever pace the recipient could muster. Kenroy galloped in for a couple of tries as he returned to his unstoppable best but the game remained close as the Refesurus ensured there were plenty of opportunities for the visitors to exploit with pace and generous decision-making (and possibly timekeeping, or were we all just knackered?). Medics scored a pair of well worked tries to keep the game in sight. Scrambling defence from both sides reduced the scoring opportunities but not the endeavour or pace of the game. Leo’s resorted strong running and security from Jon Mills and the centres and eventually managed to slow the game down enough and close it out for a well earned victory to the home side.
All credit to both teams for their spirit, sportsmanship and social abilities demonstrated as Leosfest continued unabated through the night.