A Scottish Bananaskin
Mac back?
By Haxbytyke
October 5 2011
This Saturday, Leeds Carnegie make their first ever visit to the Richmond Athletic Ground, to take on newly promoted London Scottish. At the start of the season, most supporters would have viewed this encounter as a chance for Leeds to give some of their promising academy players a gallop, but as events have turned out, the hosts will probably start as favourites. They go into the game on the back of a bonus point victory against Moseley, and will want to add to that a success against last seasons’ relegated Premiership side......
The man to watch is teenage fly half Dan Mugford who has scored 67 points this season, only two less than Leeds have scored altogether. He will be celebrating his 20th birthday on Sunday, so while we wish him a Happy Birthday, let us hope he isn’t celebrating too much come 5.00 on Saturday.
For Leeds, the problems seem to pile up. The promising Academy players referred to above have been the core of the side this season, with senior players sidelined with injury. At key moments in every game, concentration has been lost, and they have been naïve in trying to play running rugby from within their own 22. Discipline has also been a problem, and if that continues, young Mr Munford may punish them severely.
This week sees the first of three fixtures against the sides immediately above Leeds in the league, and if we have any pretentions at all about even promotion play offs, then 3 wins has to be the target.
More injuries picked up in last week’s defeat to Donny, could mean Diccon Edwards may well have a job sorting out a team for this weeks vital clash. Will Mike Macdonald have recovered enough from his excellent World Cup stint with the Eagles to return? Are John Pendelbury and Danny Paul back to full fitness? If the answer to these two questions is yes, then the Leeds pack looks stronger than it has so far this term.
On last weeks display, I think Richards and Beck are worth another go, and it would be to our advantage if we can find a full back to release Tommy Bell to move up to fill the 10 shirt. If not, I’d give Joe Ford the shirt alongside Robbie Shaw, but I would leave the goal kicking in Bell’s more than capable boots.
As for the rest of the side, it depends who can be patched up enough to give 100% concentration for the full game.
I am hopeful, as ever, of a Carnegie victory, but it is a close game to call, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we were on the wrong end of a close score line.
To the few fans making the trip, have a safe journey, and hopefully return with news of a Leeds win. Leeds to win, 19 – 17.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:10:09:13:14:41 by Wildwillie.
good luck to any daft enough to venture there. I hope the team prove me wrong.
Still a Tyke - whatever the name!
I saw London Scottish twice last season and they were a strong physical side. Having strengthened their squad pre season they will be no mugs for the taking.
Under normal circumstances I would have expected a win for Leeds. It is, I think, going to be too close to call! I hope I'm wrong and we can celebrate a resurgent Leeds victory!