The starting line up was made up of lee Williams and the Cheadle bothers in the front row with Luke Hardern [Capt] and Ben Barlow in the second row with Andy Thompson , Luke Staton and Joel Booth in the back row .Ollie Drew started at scrum half with the same back line as last week . Leek started the half with a slight advantage kicking down bank and for the first 10 minutes both teams were playing some strong attacking rugby with both teams defending well.
On 12 minutes Vesyeans were awarded a penalty on the 25 metre line which they duly converted . After this Leek seemed to be camped in Vesyens half but were unable to turn the pressure in any points until the 33rd minute when fly half McDermott converted a penalty . Just prior to half time full back , Sam Hunt went on a jinking run from the half way line and with support of McDermott he was able to offload who went over to score a try under the post and duly converted the conversion to take a 3-10 lead at half time .Unfortunately after 5 minutes of the second half hooker , Ed Cheadle, was sin binned by the referee who was causing some frustrations to both sets of players. As a result this impacted on Leeks ability to win the line out on certain positions on the pitch and Leek had to defend tirelessly under pressure from Vesyeans who had a powerful back line.
On 55 minutes Leek missed a tackle in the centre for Vesyeans to go over and score a try and conversion which was going to make it an interesting last 25 minutes .Coach Pickles made changes bringing on all 3 subs , Conlan , Adam Smith and leadingham in an effort to freshen up on a hot day .Leek continued to press with some strong carries from Booth and on 65 minutes Leek were awarded a penalty which McDermott again converted but a few minutes later Vesyeans were awarded another penalty to make it 13 each with 12 minutes to play. Both teams were intent on going for the win with both sides playing a good standard of Rugby , unfortunately McDermott missed a penalty with 5 minutes to go and the game was played out to finish as a draw and both sides take equal points . Coach Pickles said after the match " We again showed strong phases of play against good opposition but there is still plenty to work on at training this coming week.
Leek are presently 4th in the league with 7 points with the top teams on 9 points . This Saturday Leek entertain Walsall RUFC at Esterchem park, 3 pm KO with bar open at 1-30pm with a pre match buffet for club vice presidents. On Saturday 7th October Leek have been drawn away against Dronfield RUFC in the Twickenham /Intermediate cup competition.
During the past weekend the club fielded 4 teams including the colts with no teams losing .Again this coming Sat the colts will be playing at home along with several junior teams playing at home on Sunday .
Can we please remind you all the bar is open every Tues night to show BT Sports and European football matches from 730pm and each Friday from 7 ish to show BT Rugby games as well as the games and Sat and Sunday on BT sport. Reminder debit card sales ONLY for bar sales at this time whilst we finalise improving wi fi. Watch this space for improved opening of the club house on other training nights to allow access to parents .
Please keep viewing the club Facebook and websites long with notice boards within the club house with the latest deals and events .
The next big weekend will be 20th and 21st October when we will be holding a pig racing night along with a beer festival and live music on Sat 21.10.17 post the 1st team match, Leek v Crewe & Nantwich RUFC .
A family Halloween party and disco has been arranged for Friday 27th October at a cost of £5 per child which includes food and fancy dress comp , bar from 6pm with disco bet 7 and 9pm .
Tickets for the Pig racing and Halloween can be purchased from behind the bar or link in with Anna- Halloween and Steve /Choline Mellor in relation to the pig racing nights .
all ticket sales from the pig racing will go towards the club extension funds and it will incude a bacon butty . We are looking for pig racing sponsors at £25 per pig - lets make it a great club night and weekend both on and off the field .
Date for Diary - Club bonfire and Firework display Saturday 4th November
Please spread the word to all members , residents and friends