Reasons to be cheerful part IV

Leeds Carnegie got the season back on track with a five point win in Richmond, beating London Scottish 37-14. After racing into a 20-0 lead midway though the first half the result was never in doubt, or was it?

The Scots employed an alien (see above) to whip up the kilt-clad hordes before the kick off and the lone piper was exiled to the far touch line. So far so good. Then Dave Doherty fluffed the kick-off & we were penalised before we had time to cheat. Kick missed so we gave them another easy chance. Missed again!

Already a strange afternoon....then we got the ball and a reverse pass from James D put Dave D in under the posts. Joe kicked the extras and we were up and running. Another try from Oli Goss in the corner plus Joes extras and a couple of penalties gave me the distinct feeling that we were going to win.

The Exiles came back with a try, late in the half which looked like a forward pass to everyone but heyho we were still in front and their kicker was having a 'mare.

Diccon gave one of his legendary halftime talks which must have included the line " Give them the ball always" so in the second half we camped in our own 22 and tackled, tackled, tackled! The Exiles main weapon was a crashball centre who found Eric Burdon unbeatable (ably aided by Jacob and Dicky Beck) but we could not get out of the 22 for about 15 minutes. We gifted a try to LS when a kick was charged down and the ball rolled along the line but I thought they lacked a cutting edge & would not cut loose.

Against the run of play we broke out and scored a cracking try. Forwards and backs interlinked before a jubilant Rob "Boilerman" Baldwin dived under the sticks. We should have pressed for a bonus point but went back into our 22 for another tackling session.

With 4 minutes left IanB58 suggested that the lads might try to play on the Exiles line instead of ours. Right on cue we surged up the pitch and the bonus point was on. Quick thinking from Hampo as he flicked the ball to Dave Doherty who dabbed it down before he went into touch. Sorted!

Man of the match contenders were, for me, Calum Green and Mike Myerscough although the Exiles fans raved about Dicky Beck. Green punches well above his formidable weight as does Myerscough who shades it for his fine work in the lineout. Other plus points include Oli Goss putting in a full shift, scoring a try, saving a try(for which he was binned) and looking sharp with ball in hand. Sam Lockwood has established himself as first choice prop and Ryan Burrows came on late on. Baldwin started a bit feebly but picked up his game and was outstanding as the game progressed. Dave Doherty looked as sharp as razors scoring his tries.

A win against Moseley at Threshfield next weekend is now required so we can start to build some momentum, hopefully with an unchanged side. Bring it on!