Carl’s Birthday Present is no Small Feat

CJ had assembled a rich mix of experience and solidity while eschewing raw pace for sturdiness and guile. Mods offered a blend featuring pace and elusiveness in their backs and a battling pack to ensure that an open game of fast and furious running rugby was served up in the autumn sunshine.
Playing down the slope, which Scotty categorised as a 20+ pointer, Leo’s pack fixed their plan on the recycling drives to give irregular scrum half Nick C a surfeit of ball to distribute to the sturdy backs. The back row rotating foursome of Carl, CJ, Stuey and James P worked their socks off in support running and chasing down the opposition to reduce their counter-attacking options. Early pressure was applied in the scrummaging where the Dolph+Scotty engine room powered up the front five for a 6 against the head hooking performance from Thommo, in harness with Farmer Jim And Jimmy G. Driving and recycling produced good territory for the backs to exploit and a couple of early tries from elusive Carl and Juggling Dolph opened up an early 14 point lead.
A loose pass from the backs though changed to shape of the game as the Mods backs demonstrated their prowess and panache in broken field running to score a reply. Leo’s trundled back down the slope where Dolph scored a second, closely followed by Phil The Power getting the backs on the score sheet. Simon K kept the back line moving and there were charging runs from GI Joe and Deadly Dean which kept the home side on the back foot. Lineouts were working well as Farmer Jim found Stuey and CJ with ease. As halftime approached Gareth bludgeoned down the flank, handing off at will before scoring what should have been the halves last score, giving Leo’s a 31-7 lead Unfortunately a loss of concentration allowed Mods to score a quick response in the final play and the lead was a below par 19 as they gazed up the hill for the second half.
Blakey came in to 10 and Rhett to the engine room as Leo’s prepared to defend offensively. The game plan was stuck to and the pack worked for the territory before the backs cut loose to try to add to the visitors lead. Unfortunately local knowledge was paramount and the valiant home side soon got into the downhill groove and levered the flood-gates open an inch or two. 2 tries were conceded as the pacy Mods took advantage of their pace and Leo’s looked on the ropes and out of both breath and ideas. With their lead down to 5 points Scotty rejoined the fray and positioned himself behind the posts as Mods immediately levelled the scores. With 12 minutes to go, and the scores 31 a piece Leo’s upped the ante and took the game by the scruff of the neck. Forward power eventually turned over possession and a James P + Scotty trundle combo was carried on by support runners and clearers to give Thommo a glimpse of the line from 15 yards out. As Thommo was slowed by the defence he stayed on his feet and the rest of the pack piled in to drive him over for a pack-tastic try. Scotty’s little feet curled over the extras and a 7 point lead was established, with 7 minutes to hold out. Midfield combat followed as Mods worked for an opening. Frantic defence was eventually deemed inappropriate by the Fozaree and from the tap a Mods prop crashed over out wide, leaving his converter too much to do, and Leo’s three minutes to hold on to their slim advantage.
This they did and a tremendous a sporting encounter was brought to an end. Beers and banter were shared in the welcome baths, a rare treat on the circuit. After a few drinks at Mods Leo’s returned to the Crag for more celebratory beers and vodka based drinking games in honour of Carl’s 30th, prior to moving on to Headingley.
Next week it’s Wetherby at home; see what you’re missing?