Leos On The March

Let's face it, most seasons, you'd have got long odds on Leos winning successive away games at North Rib, Wheatley Hills and Northallerton in the depths of winter, but that's what has happened. Leos travelled to 2nd-placed Northallerton buoyed by a recent surge in belief and commitment which is paying dividends on the fields of Yorkshire 2.

A side featuring George Lane at stand-off in place of injured skipper Ed Farmer started with slope and wind behind them. Conditions were firm but fine underfoot, if a little brisk in terms of temperature and wind. (The anticipated deluge arrived as the teams left the field at the end of the game.) Leos started sharply with ball retention and brisk recycling through multiple phases eventually allowing bustling Centre George Faulkner to dot down after 6 minutes. Will Watkinson added the conversion, and shortly after a penalty to extend the lead to 10-0.

The rest of the game followed a remarkably stable pattern, with Leos retaining the ball well when in possession, and tackling with resolution whenever Northallerton had the ball. A few breaks from their elusive left winger aside, Northallerton were simply unable to break down the Leos defence. Mike Pritchard-Howarth added a try towards the end of the first half, and despite playing up the slope in the second period, Leos never looked like losing their grip on the game. George Faulkner added his second try with around 15 to go, and the game played out with Northallerton battering away at the Leos line to no avail, and then Leos desperately seeking a bonus-point 4th try. The referees whistle went as the skies darkened, and both sides returned gratefully to the warmth of the Clubhouse to reflect on a game of high quality.