A prop-er walloping

With some injuries and unavailaibility, both sides took to the field with an untried prop. The 'Prop Idol' selection panel convened and nominated our candidate, and superior coaching skills from Big Steve in the bar beforehand meant our newbie quickly got to grips with the dark arts of the position...more of which later.

A bright and breezy day led to JP, under advice from several wise heads, to play with the wind in the first half - with the intention of capitalising on the conditions and running up some points to protect in the second half. Almost immediately from kick off the ball was won and Eags chipped a delicate 8 iron to the corner, where it bounced into the arms of Tom who cruised over. Jake broke the habit of the season so far by nailing an excellent conversion from wide out.

The first scrum was approached with some caution by both sides, but the faith of the Leos pack in our tyro Kenroy was well rewarded, as he proceeded to make mincemeat of the opposition. Halfway through the half Wetherby gave up the unequal struggle and elected to go uncontested - leaving Kenroy free to get back to doing what he does best - causing sheer bloody havoc (for both sides!). He was ably backed up by a Leos 8 who took a little while to come to grips with Wetherby's rucking, but after a few stern words the ball was secured more efficiently, and a number of turnovers were made.

Further scores followed, mainly by Stubley, who embarked on a mission to wrap up the team/club leading try scorer competition by October. His total for the game came to five, and it could have been more. The experienced half-back combo of Jewy and Eags pulled the strings throughout as well as picking up a try apiece, with excellent lines of running being picked by Andrew Bruce, who is fast coming to grips with our game, and Ben and his usual box of steps. The latter went over for a try late in the half. Wetherby scored a good try of their own with some mazy running from former Leos Guest Player Rory.

The half time score was 29-7, but knowing the wind was against us, while dropping off, in the second half meant we expected a tough ride. At this point we lost Ben, who was taken off to the LGI with concerns over his cheekbone. News still awaited on the diagnosis, but we wish him well. Lloyd came on in his stead and provided his usual pacy lines of running.

Wetherby gamely ran much of the ball they did win, but the Leos defence was strong, and counter-rucking turned over possession, or the ball was lost forward in the strong wind. Kenroy was rewarded for his titanic efforts in the scrum as he crashed onto a pop ball from JP and powered over the line. This turned out to be the only score from a forward, although Si H will not be allowed to forget the complete butchering of an overlap which would have put Matt in at the corner. Further scores by Leos, including a three-quarters length of the pitch effort by Carl, followed. Wetherby stuck to their guns and were rewarded with the last score of the game as the Leos defence played silly b*ggers.

Jake kicked 5 conversions (we think), as well as scoring a try of his own.

Although Tom scored nearly half of our points, and nearly outscored the rest of the team in terms of tries, the outstanding performer - both in terms of playing performance and commitment to the team - was clearly Kenroy. Dave Robinson watch out!