Age before Beauty in Leo’s Festive Frolics

Leo’s had representatives from all four sides and a Ghost of Leo’s past in the evergreen Sheldon Bonner. The visitors had a forward bias to their squad so Leo’s were hoping to play a fast and expansive game on the first team pitch.
After the early sizing up was completed the Leo’s pack set about with some pick and drives as Boyband Knapp, Wee Jimmy and Cadgey clattered in to the visitors defence with JP Ashton and Fishy adding speedy support. With some decent possession Wheels Hardman had plenty of time and space to get the backs moving where there was some lively and inventive play from the Bindloss/Barden axis. A surprisingly clinical backs move saw Blitzen Bonner (49) canter through a gap for the first try under the posts. More forward territorial graft from Dolph and the pack saw Bindloss slice though a gap and offload to the galloping support of Dasher Scotty (48) who careered through and under the last line of Aireborough’s defence for the second try. 14-0 up and the aggregate ages of the scorers close to 100!
Soon the younger (more beautiful?) Leo’s joined in the festive fun as Dancer Bindloss skipped though for a third try which was also converted to give Leo’s a healthy 21-0 lead despite valiant defence and no lack of attacking verve from the visitors. Leo’s back line was secure in defence and ambitious in attack with Vixen Leslie on one wing and Comet Burdon on the other. Half time brought a welcome glass of Port and a reorganisation as JP Ashton departed for a luncheon date and Vixen Leslie for a shopping trip. JP Murphy joined the back row as a reshuffle in the backs put The Portly Magician in charge at 9 and moved Dasher Hardman out wide.
The second half was a more open and free flowing 40 minutes of sporting and most enjoyable rugby. Despite Dasher Scotty running out of Carol based lineout calls possession from Knapp’s delivery to Fishy was exemplary and some juggernaut maulage was employed by Dolph, Cadge and Scott before the backs cut loose. Hard yards from Barden and Derry were converted into try scoring opportunities and the half was scattered with half a dozen well worked tries of pace and elusive running. There were braces from Dasher and Comet while Dancer completed his hat trick. Into the wind and the setting sun three kickers tried their luck and all failed to add any extras. Aireborough never gave up and their young half back pair, playing in the same team as Hooker dad for the first time, kept the Leo’s defence on its toes, but the line held firm and the visitors were denied a deserved score of their own.
Leo’s combo of JP Murphy (forwards) and the Portly Magician (backs) then won the double skulls boat race to complete a victorious festive afternoon.