Christmas jaunt to Jersey
By Haxbytyke
December 19 2012
This week, Leeds Carnegie ‘hop’ across the English Channel to make what I believe is their first ever visit to Jersey. The island is probably best known as the home of BBC television detective Bergerac, but come Saturday, our focus will be on what happens at the rugby ground, and for Leeds it is a good chance to strengthen their hold on the top four place they currently hold in the Championship.
It is the first game in the second half of the season, and a quick look at the league table suggests Leeds should come away with a victory at least, and a bonus point to boot.
After 11 games, this week’s hosts prop up the table with only two victories to their name, narrow home successes against Plymouth and London Scottish. There have been other notable performances, but Jersey are the lowest scoring team in the league, and only the vanquished London Scottish have shipped more points.
Having said that, they possess a very talented goal kicker in the shape of Mike Le Bourgeois, and if Leeds does not improve on their discipline, especially in their own half of the field, they could well find themselves chasing the game.
As for Leeds, they have to recover from the mauling they received at the hands of Bedford in their last league fixture. On that occasion, the Bedford backs sliced through the Leeds defence like a knife through butter, and again, this is another area which needs to be considerably improved.
Diccon Edwards had managed to field a virtually unchanged side for the last three league games, but apparently one or two players are still suffering from knocks picked up at Otley, so maybe there will be enforced changes this week. He has suggested that some of the youngsters who played in the B and I Cup may feature, but I hope he resists any urge he has to give them further experience this week, unless injuries dictate otherwise.
Although it is the Saturday before Christmas, a few Leeds fans will make the journey, and although it could be a potential ‘banana skin’ I fully expect them to see a victory for the visitors, possibly by as much as 20 points.
If not I am sure there will be a long inquest on Saturday evening, but at least there will be a detective close at hand to solve any mysteries.
A safe trip to those making the trip, and I’ll take this opportunity to wish all the fans, players, and staff of Leeds Carnegie a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2013.
COME ON LEEDS
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:31:07:50:58 by Wildwillie .
Re If not I am sure there will be a long inquest on Saturday evening my Saturday evening will consist of getting back to our apartment in time for the Strictly final, cooking the seafood delights I will be plundering the fish market in the morning and popping a bottle of fizz... not sure what Mr Gel is doing.
If we perform to anything like our potential then we'll win at a canter.
Unfortunately, we won't be there as the finances wont stretch to a weekend in jersey just before christmas but I hope all those who are making the trip have a great weekend.
Merry Christmas
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:19:21:01:51 by leemingtyke.
It even made the YEP. Hopefully Leeds Carnegie supporters & players won't come back with same reputation!
[www.arborfieldoldboys.co.uk]
Let's hope the York result (hitherto ignored) was just another "blip" and that normal service will be resumed.
I really envy you lot going over - the shopping-fest that is Christmas no longer floats my boat and just hasn't been the same for me since I was 8, and to get some respite must be good.
Hope for a good game and an even better result!
I wasn't born in Yorkshire but I got here as soon as I could
I think after a certain amount of blips you qualify as being inconsistent
Plug has tweeted it'll be his 100th match for the club - he'll certainly be 'up' for a performance.
Quote:leemingtyke
Which normal service is that then Almo? The London Scottish, Moseley, Rotherham type of normal service or the Cornish Pirates, Bedford type of normal service? Not to mention Nottingham, Plymouth and Bristol where we displayed both of the above types of normal service in the same game!
I think after a certain amount of blips you qualify as being inconsistent
Valid point.
On balance I think I would settle for a win of any description, with further progress being made at home (at last!) against Plymouth.
So my "normal service" is any type of win.
sent off carried off never backed off
Quote:yeldor
Windy and very wet is the weather forecast for Sat . Stay dry you travelers . On the outside at least .
I'll wager it's not only the weather which will be windy and wet by Saturday night.