The Long and Winding Road
By Haxbytyke
September 12 2011
The afternoon started well. I was admitted into the ground at the hosts’ generous concession rate, and was greeted by what appeared to be a healthy covering of grass on the playing surface. When I tell you they were the two highlights of a nondescript afternoon, you can imagine what the game was like.....
The swirling wind, generally blowing in the direction of the clubhouse certainly didn’t help, but Rotherham had first use of it, and took full advantage. Fly half Garry Law kicked four good penalties, while at the other end Joe Ford could only muster a 30 yard drop goal, whilst failing twice from the tee.
Minutes before half time, Roth worked a move in front of the stand, and only a touch judge’s flag prevented the games first try. A half time score of 12 – 3, would probably have slightly flattered the boys in maroon, but on the stroke the interval, Robin Copeland brushed aside a woeful attempted tackle by Sean Hohneck, and galloped to cross by the corner flag. Law converted, and Leeds was truly up against it.
Joe Ford reduced the arrears with a penalty shortly after the restart, but then failed with two more, and when Law added another penalty from under the sticks, the game seemed over.
The usual raft of replacements came, and Leeds gained some hope when a Roth replacement was sent for a rest after Mr. Lee had reset a number of scrums in the home 22. The pressure paid off when ‘Sir’ awarded Leeds a penalty try, Joe added the extras. For the first time, Leeds showed some purpose, and attacked, further reward coming when the forwards scored a good pushover try, which amazingly was given to Andy Titterell who at the time was sitting on a white plastic chair on the touchline. Ford missed the conversion, and the referee clearly indicated to the touch judge there were 5 minutes remaining, but even though he played less than four of those, the Titans held on for what I suspect from the reaction of the players, and fans, was an unexpected victory.
The referee was even handed, occasionally upsetting both sets of fans, but from where I was, Phil Swainston, and Scott Barrow could count themselves very fortunate not to get first use of the hot water in the shower.
All in all, a disappointing display. The most worrying feature was the way the Rotherham forwards continually pushed an experienced Leeds pack around the field.
Secondly, Leeds must have back up kicker for Joe Ford. 14 points went begging today, enough to have given Leeds a comfortable victory. Leeds also conceded needless free kicks at the scrum by not getting the ball in quickly enough. A basic error that needs rectifying quickly.
A flat performance, which means that this week’s prize for the Man of the Match is a bottle of flat Newcastle Brown. Nobody stood out, but after a slow start, Jacob Rowan was usually in the thick of the action, so he can get his bottle opener out and enjoy the prize.
Table topping Bristol come calling next week and Leeds will have to play much, much, better if they are to start a winning run. At this moment in time, it is a long road that leads back to the promised land.
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Yesterdays game could be summed up by a lot of adjectives with the word less tacked on to the end. The only highlight of the day being the very good Pie chips and peas.
Last week at home Leeds at least had a game plan, yesterday they looked bewildered by the whole occasion. For some of the team the lights where on but no one was at home.
Positives, as the whole season is still ahead of us..... Swainston made an immediate difference when he came on, and the line out worked better than last week....not difficult. Joe Ford is not that bad a player and he will kick better than that.
Thats going to be a tough call after our opening two performances. Swainston and Nilsen to start next Sunday?
Rest of the game was disappointing. After last week's 'throw it to the wings', this week the wingers barely touched the ball.
Still, at least Rotherham Show was entertaining!
Still a Tyke - whatever the name!
On the plus side I thought we played better as a team than in the previous game. The defence only let one easy try through, after all.
Yes, we should have done better, but one point is better than no points (which is what I feared at half time). Next week a draw; the following week a win; the week after 5 points and we're on the way up!
Suffering on the Leeds and Yorkshire roller-coaster since 2001
Still a Tyke - whatever the name!