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Sat 15 Jan 2011
Old Mods
Vets (Sayers)
7
31
Tries: D Read, N Palmer, A Gabriel, A Dolphin, G TinchConversions: R Scott (3)
Power, Control and Hard Graft earn Victory
Richard Scott16 Jan 2011 - 13:32
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Leo’s 4th XV emerged from their hibernation with trepidation, stiff limbs and bleary eyes trying to focus on the pitch half a mile across the open parkland
The portly Magician had conjured up a midfield playmaker (Ready) and a grafting No 8 (Patsy) to augment the regular 4th teamers and hopefully relaunch their season. Mods, as expected, were a pacy youthful group who would run the ball from anywhere.
JP elected to play up the slope and into the ubiquitous Bedquilts gale and Leo’s set about the task with a vigour belying their 8 weeks of inactivity. The front row of Thommo, Big Steve, and Gav were powered forward by Scotty and Rhett, providing the back row and back line with a solid platform of advancing possession. Kicking wasn’t really an option in the conditions so it was a textbook display of pick and drives with added supporting pops to eager runners. Both forwards and backs involved themselves in multi-phase rugby co-ordinated by the scampering Robbo and the more sedate Gabes. A few chances were squandered as too much fanciness was introduced too early but the pressure eventually told as the forwards drove in, recycling was rapid and the gap was created for Ready to charge over. Mods were spirited but found it difficult to compete at the scrums and line-outs with the same success as at the breakdowns and Leo’s kept them out despite their meteorological and gradient advantages.
In the second half Leo’s were able to make use of all the advantageous conditions in addition to their application and adventure to rack up 26 unanswered points. The pack earned a push-over try for Patsy before the Portly Magician burrowed over from a foot. Further pressure was rewarded with a well worked try for Dolph before Scotty appeared on the angle to receive a pop from Duncan, charge downhill but found himself unable to release Carl in the tackle. More pressure from the pack as Carl won yet another Gav throw to set up the driving maul. 5 yards out Scotty peeled off the blind side and was held up over the line. A repeat a few minutes later has Gav on the peel and he crashed over. Scotty added his third conversion before the game was engineered in the gallant home sides favour. First the Portly Magicians amusing badinage with the referee finally exhausted the official’s sense of humour and he was despatched to the bin. There then followed a procession of penalties allowing the home side to score a late consolation try, which they thoroughly deserved, but not quite in this manner.
The game ended with handshakes all round as Leo’s got their season going again and look to welcome Selby to The Crag next week.
JP elected to play up the slope and into the ubiquitous Bedquilts gale and Leo’s set about the task with a vigour belying their 8 weeks of inactivity. The front row of Thommo, Big Steve, and Gav were powered forward by Scotty and Rhett, providing the back row and back line with a solid platform of advancing possession. Kicking wasn’t really an option in the conditions so it was a textbook display of pick and drives with added supporting pops to eager runners. Both forwards and backs involved themselves in multi-phase rugby co-ordinated by the scampering Robbo and the more sedate Gabes. A few chances were squandered as too much fanciness was introduced too early but the pressure eventually told as the forwards drove in, recycling was rapid and the gap was created for Ready to charge over. Mods were spirited but found it difficult to compete at the scrums and line-outs with the same success as at the breakdowns and Leo’s kept them out despite their meteorological and gradient advantages.
In the second half Leo’s were able to make use of all the advantageous conditions in addition to their application and adventure to rack up 26 unanswered points. The pack earned a push-over try for Patsy before the Portly Magician burrowed over from a foot. Further pressure was rewarded with a well worked try for Dolph before Scotty appeared on the angle to receive a pop from Duncan, charge downhill but found himself unable to release Carl in the tackle. More pressure from the pack as Carl won yet another Gav throw to set up the driving maul. 5 yards out Scotty peeled off the blind side and was held up over the line. A repeat a few minutes later has Gav on the peel and he crashed over. Scotty added his third conversion before the game was engineered in the gallant home sides favour. First the Portly Magicians amusing badinage with the referee finally exhausted the official’s sense of humour and he was despatched to the bin. There then followed a procession of penalties allowing the home side to score a late consolation try, which they thoroughly deserved, but not quite in this manner.
The game ended with handshakes all round as Leo’s got their season going again and look to welcome Selby to The Crag next week.
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