Leo’s Occasional’s Celebrations Rocked by Mods

Perhaps a slightly easier opposition could have been selected rather than a youthful, fast and highly skilled bunch of mainly students? Perhaps the big pitch could have been eschewed in favour of the smaller undulations of the back one? Was it wise to field a half back pairing aged 102? Nevertheless it was the event rather than the game that mattered to the crowd of friends, supporters, the odd WAG, ex players and the curious in addition to players from all corners of the kingdom (CJ from Scotland, Andy Hill from (nearly) Wales) who descended on The Crag to play their part.
Captain for the day Scotty won the toss, and it was downhill from then on. Mods were clearly fitter, faster and better organised. With possession and space, of which there was plenty, they could run exciting attacking lines and cause all sorts of problems to the disparate band of social celebrants in blue. Having conceded a couple of quick tries Leo’s finally got their hands on the ball and the pack, with CJ and Carl to the fore made good yards before The Portly Magician was allowed to work some magic. The lineouts were working well as light Joe or James were secure options but the Leo’s maul wasn’t firing. Pressure told and a 5 metre scrum to Leo’s was driven over for Carl to flop and Scotty add the extras. Mods hit back with pace and flair to put Leo’s in their place. Rampaging runs from Kenroy and Jim C were spirited but often possession was carelessly lost when security rather than extravagance was preferable. Mods scored some more before the break.
An inspiring half time team talk from Cadgey refocused the team for a more pack based approach and for the first 15 minutes of the second half the ball never reached Tim L as the forwards played their best rugby for a long time. Pick and drive recycling was executed effectively and ferociously with the Mods driven back into their own territory. Dave H, Rob B, and Cadgey added oomph and were propelled by the support weight of Scotty and Gary A. 17 phases and 65 yards of hard work resulted in a try for Carl and Tim converted. Leo’s received and did it all over again. The backs were lonely and joined in with JP, Kinga and Kenroy all taking the ball up with forward support. Andy H boshed in and hurt his nose. JP grazed his head and was treated to a comedy field dressing. Cadgey was powered over from 5 yards by Scotty and Rob B. Scotty 600 added the extras from out wide, in front of the baying mob of supporters.
Leo’s scored their third try in a row after more of the same and the small footed lock forward’s conversion attempt bounced off the crossbar, the wrong side. 4 tries to 6 and Mods rallied to put Leo’s back in their place. A couple of tries from the Mods quicker backs were scored to put the game beyond doubt before The Fozaree brought a highly entertaining game of social rugby to an end.
Two very brave forwards (Thank you Dave and Jim) carried the exhausted Scotty shoulder high off the pitch to the first of many well deserved pints. More beer and banter followed well into the evening as Leo’s social rugby credentials were demonstrated once more in celebratory style for a very tired and humbled 51 year old.
Thank you all
Thank you Leo’s