Scarborough 35 - 10 West Leeds

West Leeds headed to Scarborough for the longest remaining trip of the season, looking to build on two home wins since the start of the new year. The bus had its usual sports based quiz, with Barry making up the answers to the questions – FYI the quickest premier league hattrick belongs to Sadio Mane, 2 mins 56 seconds – although Barry’s sporting almanac is from 1995 and recognises Robbie Fowler, who set the current record in 1994 – when current WL starlets Eliah and Ben weren’t even born.

WL arrived at Scarboroughs impressive ground (the market in Scarborough Rock is booming) and after DTR enquired how much gym membership was preparations were under way for the game, with Will Betts bringing a speaker and justifying his selection.

WL kicked off and the first 30 minutes or so mostly had the visitors camped in the home 22, but the defence repelled our efforts, which mostly involved Timmy Jackson. Although one potential break from our own 22 was squandered when DTR saw how far he had to go and threw the ball away instead. Eventually the pressure told and Scarbs started to infringe at the breakdown, Keir Breakwell adding 3 points with a good kick in the swirly wind. 3-0.

Another infringement gave WL a penalty which was kicked to the corner, the WL pack agreed the call, walked to the line and then, without pointing any fingers at Lewis, someone forgot to lift, and the ball was turned over. This gave Scarbs the chance to break from there own half and a poor tackle gave them half a break, before some good offloading provided a try in the corner, which was converted just before half time.

Half Time Scarborough 7 – West Leeds 3

Scarborough added two more trys in the first twenty minutes of the second half, again breaking at pace and offloading well, if only they hadn’t issued an injunction against Morpeth we might have been better prepared for this… 21-3.

The next score belonged to WL however, when from a strong rolling maul the pack made about 15 meters, before the home prop decided to walk round the back of the maul and stop it, giving WL a penalty in front of the posts. Duane Smith went close, but was again the bridesmaid and not the bride as Dom Walsh crossed under the sticks for a converted try. 21-10

WL were pushing to get back within 7, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be when a forced pass was picked off by the home defence, who raced in for another converted try – 28-10.

Salt was rubbed into the wounds at the very end of the game when WL were penalised for collapsing a scrum, whilst both packs were still scrummaging, providing the opportunity for one more try for the home side to take the final score to 35-10.

Full Time 35-10.

Scarborough were good hosts and good value for the win, the game was well reffed and we enjoyed the food and company in the bar afterwards and wish them well for the rest of the season. Man of the match for WL was given to Timmy Jackson, whilst sinner was given to John Marshall.

Other poignant moments from the day include

The return of ‘Fun Pat’
Gin Bus with everyone keen to keep the weight off there were no cans in sight.
The home props saying they have never scrummaged so low in their lives, Duane explaining its due to WL doing Zumba at training.
Dom having an argument with the crowd
The Scarborough News Sport on twitter (SN_Sport) making up stuff
Will Betts taking umbrage to being called average on the Yorkshire Forum, knowing that he is yet to reach that level.

Next up we have Morley away in the rearranged fixture from before Christmas, although everyone must first defeat Gaz Stokes at a challenge of their choosing before being considered for selection.

Updated 01:00 - 30 Aug 2019 by Daniel Baxter