Worcester Warriors 10 Leeds Carnegie 10
Defensive pressure
By Martyn Horwell
March 16 2008
This week our Premiership adventure took us to Sixways, the home of Worcester Warriors, to see the clash of the league's 2 bottom sides. And in all honesty, that is what we saw, 2 sides with little individual skill, or flair in evidence for the near capacity crowd.
Once again Leeds started brightly, and should have taken the lead in the third minute, but Di Bernado missed a simple penalty kick from 30 yards. However we didn't have to wait much longer, (although a lot longer than the previous 2 games), before Leeds won a short line out close to the Worcester line, and Macdonald crashed thorugh to cross the line close to the corner flag. Di Bernado added an excellent conversion into the wind, we were 7 points ahead, and waiting for the inevitable to happen.
Immediately Worcester's big pack applied pressure, and on 14 minutes it proved too strong as Lutui was driven over. Drahm missed the conversion, but Leeds were now having to defend for long spells, and after Benjamin had spilled the ball with the line at his mercy, the same player crossed in the corner on 29 minutes to give the home side the lead for the first time. Again, Drahm missed the conversion, and on 34 minutes Leeds missed a chance to regain the lead when Holtby chased a loose ball into the Warriors 22, but tried to pick the ball up when a kick ahead would have sent him clear. There was still time for Di Bernado to kick another fairly simple penalty before the teams went in for their Bovril with the scores locked at 10 points each.
The second half was a tight uncompromising affair. Di Bernado failed with a drop kick after 41 minutes, and almost just like last week, Leeds seemed to find every way possible to give the ball to Worcester and defend deep in their own territory. At times the presure on Leeds was relentless, but this week their defence held firm, and although there were a couple of scares, especially when Worcester got over the line only to be denied by the TV official, and again when Benjamin dropped the ball when in the clear, Leeds almost grabbed victory with the last play of the match when the ball bobbled about on half way with a few Leeds jerseys in the vicinity. Unfortunately, it was a blue shirt that claimed the ball, and Mr. Barnes, (who by the way had a very good game), called time. So 10 -10 it finished, and the small contingent of Leeds fans who made the journey, cheered their heroes as if they had won the league.
A much improved performance, but again too many basic errors, particularly at the line out, and kicking from hand. Worcester must have had 75% of possession and territory, but really did not seem to have much idea when their forwards could not find a way through. It did prove that you can spend as much money as you like, but you have to spend it well. Having said that, Leeds defence was superb. True tackles were missed in midfield, but the cavalry always arrived in time to squash the danger. From my position high in the East Stand, it was difficult to pick out individuals, but my MoM would go to Mike Macdonald, who never went backwards once, and scored the try. As usual there was 100% effort and determination, but the reality is, this is not enough at this level. Still well done today lads, your defence earned the draw.
Finally, a couple of positives to come out of today. Firstly, next time anybody wants to complain about Headingley, take a drive down to Sixways. The 'path' from the coach to the ground and all the way around the ground resembles a building site, with pot holes filled with water and mud. The perimeter fence and 'turnstiles' are unbelievable for a premiership club, and the two main stands have so many pillars it is not always easy to follow passages of play. Indeed the North Stand is of the temporary type erected at sports venues and pop concerts to increase the capacity.
This proves to me, that off the field we have everything in place to succeed at this level. Lets now work to get it right on the field. Secondly, and you may find this hard to believe, their mascot is just as hideous as our Challenger. All is not yet lost!
Anything else you want to take a snipe about?
Would personally rather have Sixways as a home stadium and be able to sell out most weekends than have a 22 000 capacity stadium and only be able to sell 4000 tickets!!
Leeds fans that did travel down to the game yesterday- well done!! Would have been easier to watch it on tv but came down to show your true support to your team!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:17:12:36:21 by Eaststand warrior.
Thank God for the South Stand.
Im afraid we do have some very inconsiderate fans who are continually out of their seats blocking the view of others and then leaving 5 mins early to avoid the traffic.
Suely a pub with sky and a big car park would be better for people like that.
TYKES live on.
TYKES live on.
Mind you, fair play, the Warriors had four tries disallowed, three by the video ref & one by the ref because he had been playing 'advantage' to Leeds (I think).
Never the less Leeds were under the cosh for vast periods and held out well - credit... I think it boils down to 'the Tykes wanted it more'
Wuss fans were totally gutted by their sides lack lustre performance!
Still a mathematical possibility at the moment!
We're still in there hanging on and as i met some of the players at the end (from what i gather i held the coach up sorry people!)but yes the lads looked pleased with their efforts although they were not impressed with the abuse that was hurled at them after they had walked to where we were stood Lund was far from pleased with that but other than that Biggsy had a smile on his face and i even got a couple of sweets of Hendrie too!
Some say he has a Tykes flag with team signatures on.
Others say that he's doing the same to the Carnegie flag,
All we know is that he's called Leeds carnegie signed flag.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:17:21:01:42 by Leeds carnegie signed flag.
Does it turn you hair bright blonde!!
Some say he has a Tykes flag with team signatures on.
Others say that he's doing the same to the Carnegie flag,
All we know is that he's called Leeds carnegie signed flag.
No more like thatDon't know why though get a tread started on that on more moaning!
Some say he has a Tykes flag with team signatures on.
Others say that he's doing the same to the Carnegie flag,
All we know is that he's called Leeds carnegie signed flag.
Fair play Leeds.
Quote:Wildwillie
Weird how the Wuss fans defend the ground but not the team's performance.
not really imo i don't think warriors played badly, just think leeds defended better!
Quote:I just thought that with all the money they have spent on players, a few quid on temporary roads and paths wouldn't go amiss!
What the hell is a temporary road and path? And how would they stop it from raining?
-----
G4E
-----