Leeds back from the brink......
By Headingley/Roundhay
April 10 2011
The sun came up, the clouds parted all so that God could watch us play fine rugby and Win. All of which happened. The day started in great spirits on the coach from Headingley. There was a 'buzz' of excitement on the way, could we do it, would we win, is Great Escape V2.0 realistic?? In a word 'Yes' as I've always maintained!!
We started the game well and retained possession through a number of phases although it came to nothing as the first scoring opportunity came from a sweeping Falcons move to the right wing where Luke Fielden received the ball but he could not control his chip kick to score on nine minutes and we knew from that moment on, it was going to be a tense afternoon. The John Smiths Smooth helped ease the tension though!!
Both teams were nervous with knock-ons, kicks to touch not finding touch and I'm not sure who was the more nervous, the teams or the supporters.
As per usual, we found ourselves 3 - 0 down early, following us having been penalised for not using arms in the tackle and with a quarter of an hour, it looked to be getting worse as the Falcons spurned a good chance when they failed to capitalise on numbers out wide, and what seemed a certain score, went begging for the moment, albeit briefly, as Falcons forwards quickly recycled the ball back and Young reacted the quickest to claim the opening try.
It was just what the doctor ordered, as AJ, our no.10 magician put a great penalty to the corner and our pack were immense as we were full of aggression, driving towards Falcons line that resulted in Thommo touching down before AJ made no mistake with the additional 2 points.
Game On!!!
The Falcons extended their lead, courtesy of Mr Jimmy Gopperth's boot to put his team 13-7 ahead with 10 minutes of the half remaining, yet worse was to come as Manning, went over in the left corner and JG didn't miss with his conversion to give his side a 13-point lead with seven minutes of the half remaining.
Time for more John Smiths Smooth I thought!!
AJ and the 'uprights' don't seem to get along at the moment as he saw a shot at goal rebound off the post and then spurned a certain three points with the clock run down at half-time. Luther Burrell went for the line and we needlessly conceded a penalty, but rather than sending the ball into touch Newcastle punted it downfield and it was our turn to turn the screw as we ran the ball back for Wackett to score and AJ didn't let the uprights get in the way as he added the additional 2 points that were on offer.
Half time - 20 - 14
AJ was outstanding and put us on the front foot early in the second half with an fabulous kick to the corner and then landed a further 3 points to reduce Falcons lead to three points.
Things soon got even better as we finally took the lead after an extended period of pressure when Gareth Hardy powered over and AJ made no mistake for the extras.
Our tails were up, we smelt victory, the Lemonheads were in fine voice and the boys found that extra yard of pace at every opportunity.
With 20 minutes remaining Shrek was 'pinged' for joining a ruck from the side and Gopperth reduced the deficit to one point from his penalty, leaving the game on knife edge at 24-23.
Yet again our discipline let us down as we conceded a penalty from 23 metres out after a collapsed scrum and Gopperth put his side two points infront. Oh No! We then squandered a great chance when Mathie popped up a pass he did not need to make with just eight minutes left but the pressure built and Jarvis struck a sweet drop-goal to give us the lead.
With only four minutes remaining, people's fingernails were being chewed and I was drinking copious amounts of John Smiths Smooth to try and settle the nerves, but that was not helped by Shrek being penalised on our own 10-metre line and up stepped Gopperth to drive the ball through the posts.
With the tension mounting, hearts pounding, the Leeds fans doing all they could to cheer the boys onto victory, we charged once more drove to within striking distance for AJ who then struck a drop-goal that crept over the bar.
This was the stuff that dreams are made of. The Lemonheads had sung themselves hoarse!!
And when the ref blew for full-time, it was time to party and realise that WE ARE STAYING UP!!
The coach back to Leeds was amazing, but sadly no booze, that is until of course we made a brief stop in Thirsk and the opportunity to partake in more alcohol, following our achievements a couple of hours earlier was too good to pass-by!!
Now who's off to Wasps?? Sian Jones has indicated that it's highly likely we will be running a coach to witness a further win!! Bring it on!!
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Apologies to anyone whose comments have vanished into the ether.
I still think the write up is rubbish.
Sorry H/R - joking. a fine write up sir.
you been drinking, too, kim...?
P.S. can Newtfish please write the preview for next week's game as the last one was brilliant.
Quote:bunj1967
A remarkably good read considering the state of the writer from the half time whistle onwards, i say good work fella.
Cheers Bunj Buddy!!
If you think I was drunk yesterday, wait until the Quins at home and Great Escape V2.0 is accomplished!!
You, I and others are going to absolutely leathered mate on the booze!!
But if that's what required to unconditionally support the boys, then so be it!!!
Upon getting home, I put my keys in next doors door and the damn thing wouldn't open, therefore, I woke them up demanding to be let in, only to be told that I lived next door!!
OOOP's!!!
sent off carried off never backed off
Quote:yeldor
Now why does'nt that surprise me ? Answers on a postcard !!!!
Me neither mate, based on the alcohol consumed!!!