Preview: Plymouth v Leeds Carnegie

Due a rest?
By Martyn Horwell
April 24 2009

Having barely recovered from last weeks trip to Twickenham, Leeds Carnegie, and their fans hit the road, the railways, and the skies this week as they head down to Plymouth for their final fixture, at least for one season, in National Division 1.

Having wrapped up the league title 2 weeks ago, the match has no major significance from a result point of view for Leeds, but Plymouth still need 2 league points from their final two games to guarantee that they will not be relegated after a run of results which has not seen them victorious since a win at Sedgely Park at the beginning of March. However should Esher gain anything less than 5 points from their trip to Bedford, The Albion will survive regardless.

Leeds will run out on Saturday as ND1 champions, and having missed the chance to complete a league and cup double, I am sure the players will want to end the season by showing they are worthy winners of the title.

It is also likely that some of them will be saying farewell, so they too will want to leave a lasting impression. Not for one minute do I think sentiment will play a part in this week’s team selection, and I hope to be cheering a team selected purely on merit. If that means there are some of this seasons regulars missing, then can we say thanks for your efforts, it has been a team effort, and good luck to you in the future.

One or two players picked up knocks last weekend, and there seems little point in aggravating them, and considering the number of games they have played this season, I think Big Mac and Rhys deserve a rest. We have adequate cover for these two, so maybe Swainson and Danny Paul can be given a run to show what they can do.

It has been a long haul, and the season has had everything. Massive victories against some of the part time opposition, some not too convincing displays against some mid table sides, and the ‘heartstoppers’ Exeter and Pirates early doors, late BP tries against London Welsh and Pirates at home, and the late, late, late cup displays at Birmingham, and then Nottingham. All of these results showed the commitment the lads have given this season. It’s been a privilege to support them, and I am looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead. This week would be a good time to show some intent, and I am going for a Leeds win by 18 points.

Hope to see plenty of you at Plymouth.

Enjoy the game.

Preview: Plymouth v Leeds Carnegie

Posted by: TykesRugby.co.uk (IP Logged)

Date: 24/04/2009 09:04

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