All Roads Lead to Bedford
Time for some points!
By Haxbytyke
October 26 2011
This Saturday Leeds makes the journey down the M1 to tackle Bedford Blues in an intriguing Championship Fixture. In the 1930’s and 60’s Bedford were undoubtedly one of the top sides in the country, but in more recent times, they have been close to having to leave the town altogether. Fortunately the RFU intervened, and there was enough interest in the town to enable the club to continue. It has played at its current Goldington Road ground for over 100 years, and it is generally considered a difficult ground for opponents to gain a victory.
Although the Blues sit third in the league table, their last two home fixtures have however, resulted in a defeat toBristol, and a fortunate draw with Doncaster. Meanwhile the Leeds players are on something of a roll with 3 successive victories, results that have catapulted them into the top eight for the first time this season.
This week, though, they can expect stiffer opposition, and it will take another step forward by our favourites if they are to return with any reward.
Leeds has been hit with the news that USA prop Mike MacDonald misses the game with an injury picked up last week. It is possible though that other players will return, soLeedsmay be selecting this week’s team from a slightly bigger squad than has been the case recently.
It is essential that Leeds tighten up their midfield defence, they have conceded long distance tries in each of the last three fixtures, and if reports that Mike Ford has been working with the club this week are correct, we should see some improvement there.
As for selection, it all depends on who is available. If I was picking the side, I’d switch Stevie McColl back to his normal position at full back, move Tommy Bell into the centre to partner Iain Thornley, and bring Lee Blackett back onto the wing. I’d also like to see Scott Barrow among the replacements to add extra reliability later in the game.
That gives a much more solid look to the backs, but it is up front where we have to be at the top of our game. Gareth Denman will replace Mac; otherwise I’d start with the same front row. Tom Denton should return to the starting line up, and I’d recall Ryan Burrows, with Hohneck, and Hemingway missing out.
If they are fit, Jon Pendelbury and Danny Paul should make the bench, and suddenly the team looks so much stronger. It would be a brave man to call those forwards ‘soft’.
So what can we expect? If we are to build on the last three weeks, then we should be looking at a victory, but we are still a few players adrift of fielding our strongest team, and the experience of the home side could just hold sway. So I’d be happy if we can come away with a losing bonus point, anything beyond that will certainly be a bonus.
As ever, good luck to the 22 who wear the jersey, and to the fans making the trip, a safe journey. Blues to sneak home by 6.
COME ON LEEDS
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:10:30:11:58:48 by Wildwillie.
The step up required to beat Plymouth after Moseley was small in comparison to that required this week.
If we go in with a mind set of we will win - rather then can win - then with Bedford being a bit wobbly at home means we could just could get a win.
But, unfortunately my head does not agree with my heart.
Swainson looks strong and Young was up against it. Things changed once Swainson came on.
Up the Carnegie TYKES !
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:10:27:13:02:39 by haxbytyke.
Defend strongly up hill and kick for the corners downhill.
If you get the choice, play large props uphill in the first half and bring on faster subs for them early in the second.
Suffering on the Leeds and Yorkshire roller-coaster since 2001
Quote:oopnorth
How to win at Bedford. Play uphill first half and contain them, then put the pressure on in the second half when they are tiring.
That seems to be the way to do it this season. Also, our lineout's been misfiring, and too many forwards seem to be hanging around in midfield rather than helping to win the ball.
We're certainly owed a home performance - hopefully it'll be this weekend - but in the spirit of the "Life in The Championship" thread, it'll be good to see as many of you as possible at GR.
