A Christmas Cracker

To the outsider, Doncaster v. Leeds in the Championship is 8th against 7th, hardly anything to get the pulse racing, but to the two clubs, and their loyal fans, there is so much at stake. Both are looking to cement their place in the end of season play offs, and whoever comes out on top in this game will almost certainly have done that, while the losers will spend the next couple of weeks looking anxiously  over their shoulders in case Moseley make a late run for the final qualifying place.

Doncaster had an emphatic win, (according to the scoreboard), when the two rivals clashed at Headingley, but their victory was only confirmed in the last minute when they took advantage of a Leeds player being felled by a high tackle , and scored the match clinching try. It seems ironic that the Knights suffered a defeat last weekend, when one of their players suffered a similar fate, and Swansea scored a match winning try. Apparently they weren’t happy.

Anyway, that is all in the past, and this fixture gives Leeds an outstanding opportunity to close the gap on those above them before going into a run of fixtures against teams who will almost certainly feature in the relegation zone come the end of the season. Sadly Doncaster’s small squad have suffered a number of injuries, and they do not have the strength in depth required to overcome a lengthy injury list, and this alone gives Leeds a good chance to reverse the result from Headingley.

Leeds need to be focussed, forget the Christmas spirit of goodwill to all men, and if the opportunity arises be ruthless and put the Knights to the sword in their own Castle.

I don’t envy Diccon Edwards having to select the team this weekend. It will be tempting to stick with the squad who worked so hard to defeat the Pirates, but also, one or two fringe players are  putting up their hands and saying to Diccon, ‘I’m ready.’

I wouldn’t make too many changes to the team, but I do think experience will be a big asset in such an important game. Scott Barrow did well when he came on in the last game, and I’d start with him this week, and I’d also recall Lee Blackett to the bench as well. He’s been there and got the tee shirt. I’d have Hampo at 9, and I’d start with Plug at hooker, purely because I think the line out functions better when he plays. I’d leave the two locks in place, but have Dents as back up on the bench.

It will be interesting to see if Will Cliff’s experience wins him a place in the squad, but, maybe it is not a good idea to bring a newcomer in for a game as important as this one.

I hope all of those going have left a bit of room for a helping of Cow Pie, and I also hope you can shout the lads to a victory.Another close game in prospect, if only because it is a local derby, but I think Leeds have the bit between their teeth now, they are a much better and more experienced side than when they first clashed. Bearing that in mind, it’s another victory for the boys from Headingley, a comfortable 10 point margin will do nicely.

And whatever the outcome on Monday, I wish you all, a very, Merry Christmas.

COME ON LEEDS