The Pirates look likely to finish outside the top 2 Merit Table places following a 33-28 defeat at Leo’s.

The Pirates turned up bright and early for this fixture, having been told that Leo’s wanted a 2:30pm kick off. However when the Pirates arrived the place was deserted and when Leo’s players finally arrived they had no idea of the early kick off!

The game started and the Pirates were immediately put on the back foot by Leo’s experienced pack. They found any possession hard to come by, with Leo’s on top in the scrums and Leo’s No2 jumper winning everything in the lineout. Leo’s had recruited well since the 2 side met earlier in the season, and their dominant pack was complimented by a number of young, speedy backs. Leo’s pack created their 1st try, then their excellent centre crashed through the midfield to give Leo’s an early 12-0 lead. The Pirates were living off scraps, but a Leo’s kick was collected by Lewis Minikin, who wound his way through the advancing defence for a great try which he converted 12-7. However Leo’s continued to dominate and their pacey backs added 2 more tries 26-7. The Pirates then won good line out possession and the ball was spun wide to Greg Minikin who rounded his man and brought the Pirates back into contention. Lewis converted making the half time score 26-14.

Fortress gave an inspirational half time team talk (run faster, push harder) and the Pirate flew out of the blocks in the 2nd half. With Leo’s pack tiring the Pirates started to win more clean possession and managed to push Leo’s off their own ball a couple of times. With the backs getting more ball, Greg Minikin added another converted try to bring the Pirates back to 26-21. Then the game’s turning point. The Pirates had a scrum on their own 25, but Leo’s applied the pressure and took the ball against the head. It was quickly transferred to Leo’s gifted No 13, who had 3 defenders on him. He put in the deftest grubber kick I have ever seen, it bounced up into his arms and he crossed unopposed 33-21. Still the Pirates were not done, and great work from James Morland, Scotty and Liam put Greg Minikin in for his hat trick try. Lewis converted 33-28. With 5 minutes remaining the Pirates threw the kitchen sink at Leo’s who held out until they conceded a penalty on the last play of the game. Conal took it quick and ran straight into their biggest player, who scragged him and dragged him towards touch. Conal offloaded 2 metres before touch, but the ref has seen enough and brought a memorable game to an end.

All in all a great season for the Pirates who even if they finish 3rd in the Merit Table have exceeded all expectations. They can now look forward to the North Yorkshire Trophy final at Wharfedale on Sunday.