Captain Cadgey gathered 12 boys for a trip to Corinthians. We lost Billy Marsh to the 2s who did not themselves have 15, and a few others for various reasons.

Leos were a bit the worse for wear with The Junior Dinner wreaking its traditional havoc on our esteemed leader the night before ! Apparently Chris cuts quite some shapes on a dancefloor when given the chance !!

Several of the rest of the team were also “ a bit delicate “ including your humble scribe.

Thankfully Corinthians gave us 3 excellent players, Ash at 15, Jack and Michael in the forwards. We were very grateful and a competitive banter filled game got underway on a firm pitch in windy conditions.

Corinthians were strong and direct up front with a very good kicker at 15. Their big boys made good ground and some of the Leos team were asleep for the first 20 mins of the game. Notable exceptions to this were our 3 guests who took delight in smashing their mates, Jack often brutally ! Ash is a slim wiry lad but boy can he run ! He returned long kicks by taking off and beating men at will, he also put in a brilliant offload at the end of one ground gaining run. It became clear that as soon as Jake at 12 and the redoubtable Kenroy at 13 got their paws on the ball they would break tackles and so they did. Dan the Mann put in some solid tackles in the close quarter action and we wish him well as he returns to the USA in a few weeks time.

The problem for Jonny at 9 was that he was being given lots of scrappy untidy ball to deal with. He did well to find his old large 10 as often as he could, but in truth he was constantly under pressure from the home pack. We did not really give him the protection every 9 needs to operate properly.

Up front Carl made good yardage with his strong direct running. Cadgey led the defence and put in a couple of monster hits on boys almost as heavy as he is ! Farmer Jim did his best at lineout time in a fiendish wind and Rob Byrom also defended very well, communicating very clearly and helping to co-ordinate a somewhat last ditch set of tackles at times. The scrums were pretty even.

Corinthians were very passionate and clearly much more up for the game than Leos. Eventually their concerted forward drives led to an overlap and they scored a well taken try. They deserved to lead and at this point a certain old large 10 gently read the riot act calling for Leos to “ up our effort and intensity levels or face losing “ thankfully the boys responded in true Leos fashion.

Carl led the charges up front and from this we all took great heart. People began to support each other and Jake and Kenroy burst through in midfield. Jonny on the wing had very little ball but from a set of fly hacked kicks he very skilfully out- paced the home defenders and scored a long range try. Not Converted. Jonny has wheels and is a strong boy. He played very well both in attack and defence.

Corinthians were frustrated by some of the decisions made by the Ref and started to chelp. They were penalised regularly and Leos worked their way upfield with a series of kicks to touch.

The halftime talk from Captain Hungover was a request for better accuracy and a little more composure when we were under the cosh.

We had them in the backs and if we could get some clean ball for Jonny at 9 to use we would win. Our efforts in defence had so far just about stemmed the tide and kept us in a very hard fought tight game.

The second half began and Corinthians tore into Leos with their big forwards taking the fight right to us. Only sterling work by all concerned “repelled boarders “ In attack Leos had a breakaway try by Kenroy disallowed. The game got a bit fractious as some slightly strange decisions were given both ways. Corinthians kicker put in a few wonderful long touch finders and their 10 also delicately found the corners to put pressure on our defence. Not quite sure how but somehow we held firm with Jake, Ash, Michael and Jack making some superlative try saving tackles.

We got the rub of the green from the ref too which helped. From a tap penalty 12 yards out Carl boshed his way over for an unconverted try. From that range it takes at least 3 to stop said no 8 and he deserved a try for his hard work and passionate efforts.
The rest of the game was one of defending hard and occasional breaks by the Leos forwards and centres. One comedy moment ensued when your humble scribe tried to clear his lines, having stepped into space he then totally fluffed his kick which came right off the side of his boot almost going backwards into touch! Hilarity broke out as both sets of players had a right laugh as did the home and away supporters on the sideline. Thankfully the rest of the time most kicks went a bit further as concerted pressure was relieved by lots of penalties.

The home team were apoplectic with rage as the game entered the final 10 mins, they tried everything to draw level but knock ons, great tackling and penalties stopped their rhythm and flow at crucial moments.

The game end Leos 10 Corinthians 5.

The friendly home team shook hands and we retired to the baths ! Yes real proper baths to soak tired bodies and enjoy a tasty tea in the clubhouse.

This was a game we could very easily have lost. The fact that we held on and found a way to win deserves great credit.
Man of the Match was a close call. Honourable mentions in dispatches for Carl, Kenroy and Jake but the winners were actually the 3 Corinthians boys Ash, Micheal and Jack who played for Leos against their mates and who got properly stuck in. Thankyou to them and the Corinthians Captain for his generosity and making a game of it, despite the difficult conditions.

We returned to the heatth and home of Leos to hear that our 1s had won a close game with a try in the last 5 mins 13- 10 against Sheffield and that our 2s had also won.

So a “ blue rinse “ according to Gabes and much gin and tonic was then consumed in celebration at the club. A select few, i.e. those still standing ! ventured to Headers to carry on drinking Bombay Sapphire with fresh mint, amongst other things. Howler entertained us as only he can with stories about his growing classic car collection, so far an Alfa Spider circa 2008 and a beautiful white Marlin, now that is how all cars should look ! He has a motorbike too so the Mid Life crisis is well on the way !!

Billy Marsh danced, Howler and a certain scribe drank and observed the scenery and the young Billy enjoying his dance moves, stylish and a tad messy all at the same time ! Still I reckon Billy could teach Cadgey a few new steps , maybe at the Club Dinner / Awards night this coming Thursday !

Beware the dreaded three man lift !