Only six fences left to jump
Young Tiger
By Haxbytyke
January 4 2012
The top clubs are now jockeying for position as we prepare for the final 6 fences of the regular Championship season. As far as Leeds are concerned, I am just glad to still be in the saddle after the first 5 matches, for although we had every confidence in our apprentices, 4 blunders in those opening games suggested we may be pulling up short of the winning post…
Oh, how things have changed. Nine wins and a draw from 11 games have put us bang in the middle of the bunch chasing down long time leadersBristol. Bedford have pulled a few lengths clear of the rest in second, but the next 5 runners are lining up for the final burst to the line, and some kind of reward, come the first round of qualifying games.
This Saturday, Leeds makes the relatively short journey to theMidlandsto take on Moseley on their Billesley Common slope, and if they can clear this hurdle they will have almost guaranteed themselves a place in the next round. When the two teams collided at Headingley, we had our first glimpse of Mr. Tutty, and luckily forLeeds he decided Mose. infringed deep into stoppage time, and Tommy Bell, slotted over a penalty to give Leeds a 22 – 21 victory.
The last two games have been poor, andLeedshas failed to live up to the expectations we have now set for them. For all thatLeedscould move into the top four with a good win this week, as there are 3 games involving top eight sides. Last SundayLeedsjust managed to overcome the challenges that Scottish, the weather, and the referee put in front of them, and I would hope lessons have been learnt, and that they will play the game they want to play and not be drawn into a kick fest.
We will be waiting expectantly for Diccon to declare this week’s runners and riders, but the biggest decision he has to make surely concerns the Ford brothers. Joe has not been his best the last couple of games, George is the current IRB young player of the year, and both usually have the same number on their back. I wouldn’t like to make the call, especially as George will be going off on international duty shortly, but in the interests of the team, I’d start with Ford the younger at 10. Despite a below performance a tDoncaster, I’d also recall Scott Barrow. His experience at this crucial stage of the season, as he showed when he came on against the Pirates could be invaluable as we head for the winning post.
Beyond that, not too many changes, for me. Will Cliff to start at 9, and if fit, Dan Hemingway back in the fold, albeit on the bench.
A quick look at the table sees our hosts in 9th position with 5 wins and a draw from their games so far. They have however, won 3 of their last four games, including victories over London Welsh andDoncaster, and have scored more points than we have.
So another tricky encounter waits. And those of us making the trip will be hoping, at least, for a better game than we saw last week. IfBirminghamhas had the rain that we have, the pitch may well be heavy, and if that is the case the result may well hang on who has the best kicking boots. Ollie Thomas is prolific with the boot, but Tommy Bell is our ace in the pack, and it may well be his accuracy that wins us the game.
A hard result to predict, but, hopeful as ever, I’ll go forLeedsto win by 8. How comfortable is that, we will be able to relax in the final minute?
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:01:08:09:40:30 by WildWillie .
I wasn't born in Yorkshire but I got here as soon as I could
I can see George starting as I am sure he will have been promised game time while on his holidays from the Tigers. Something I am not really happy about as I think we need Joe to ply himself back into form before the play offs.
Miserati - and Proud to be!
I'd actually like to see Blackett - a big lump running at the Moseley players. And he does chase the high punts we seem to love putting up.
Q - when are 'my toes back' in action? He was going to be out for 3 months with his shoulder operation - must be due back soon.
Quote:Mark_C
Well I'll go against the grain as I'm afraid to say that neither Blackett or Barrow have merited inclusion on form to date - we criticised Martin Johnson for picking on reputation, do we want the same at Leeds?
Mark I agree in as far as the team should be selected on merit. However nobody has put their hand up so far this season to say, 'the 12 shirt is mine'. That is why Id pick Scott Barrow. Unless Fulton has made a dramatic recovery!