Opportunity Knocks
Key component
By Haxbytyke
May 4 2013
It was the end of August when Leeds Carnegie set out on this season’s campaign, and despite throwing away a big lead in their opening fixture atNottingham, they gave a display which promised much for the season ahead. Since then, they have been consistently inconsistent, but a late run of victories has brought them into the end of season raffle known as the play offs, and although they may well be outsiders, they are only 4 games away from a return to the Premiership.
In my opinion, Newcastle should be promoted, they have dominated the Championship from day one, but every team knew the criteria for gaining promotion, and now, along with Bedford and Nottingham, Leeds have been given an extra chance to stake their claim.
So on a Bank Holiday Monday, (at the request of Sky television),Leeds will run out at Headingley in the first of their two legged semi final against the league’s outstanding team. Two months ago, the Falcons were sweeping all before them, but lately they have stuttered, scoring deep into stoppage time to keep their winning run going on a couple of occasions, before losing their last home fixture to a Bristol team who didn’t quite make it into the top four.
Their recent form should give our favourites some hope of causing what would be an upset, so what does Leeds need to do, after all, the Falcons have won both encounters in the normal season. The first game up at Kingston Park was evenly matched until just before half time, when the hosts capitalised on a Leeds mistake, and from then on it was a constant procession to the Leeds line as Newcastle scored almost at will in the second half.
The return fixture was played at Otley, and the muddy conditions proved not only to be a great leveller, but also showed Leeds was more than capable of fronting up to the Newcastle forwards. Once again, Newcastle scored a try early on when Leeds dropped the ball, but from then on it was nip and tuck, and with a bit more care at the line out, Leeds may well have snatched a victory.
So the lessons learned from the two fixtures, are there to be seen. Don’t drop the ball, and don’t waste the line out. At times Leeds line out plays are so intricate they make ‘Strictly’ look like a non event. Keep it simple Leeds, win the line out and keep the Falcons under pressure when you have chance.
I expect Newcastle to run the ball where possible, so Leeds needs to stiffen up its midfield defence, and stop the opposition centres from making lots of ground down the middle, and also restrict the ball finding its way to the pacy Noah Cato. Finally,Leeds must not concede needless penalties within their own half of the field as points machine Jimmy Gopperth will punish them. He will want to end his Newcastle career on a high note hopefully Leeds won’t give him too many chances. He missed a couple of kicks at Otley he may not be so generous again. If we can do that, then we are in with a shout.
For all of that,Leeds too has their match winners. Dave Doherty is the leading try scorer in the league, and Joe Ford will be keen to prove he is as capable of kicking points as Jimmy. Josh Griffin has added some ‘oomph’ to the midfield, and then there is Stevie McColl, who if he has recovered from his painful knock last time out, will threaten the visitors every time he gets the ball. The Leeds pack now has a solid look about it, both in the set piece and in the loose, and a repeat of the display at Otley will make for a fascinating game of rugby in front of the cameras.
I often think that playing the first leg of a two legged affair at home is an advantage which if used properly can gain the home side a valuable lead to carry forward. It is always difficult to know, especially in rugby, how big a lead is needed from the first game, but if Leeds can take any sort of lead up to the frozen wastes next week, then it really is game on. Next week doesn’t matter yet though, it is all about Monday The key for me is the line out, If Scotty and Phil can throw straight, and Green, Smith and Jacob do the catching then I believe Leeds can get the win and put the pressure on Newcastle for the second leg.
I hope there will be a good crowd, and an atmosphere fitting of the occasion. Most fans didn’t expect Leeds to make it this far, but now they have, can they seize the moment? I hope so, and I’m going for a Leeds victory, maybe by 6.
Enjoy the game.
COME ON LEEDS
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:05:12:06:49:02 by Wildwillie .
I plead guilty to thinking we wouldn't get this far but the pack have improved enormously.
What interests me is: how much have the budgies saved up for this? I don't think we have to win at home - we just have to be still in the contest and take advantage if they get the jitters. Whatever the result I've enjoyed watching the team this year more than for quite a few years.
I'm gald Kirsty is back fit as he will be vital but i think we can and will win it with our forward power.
What did Sir Kev say at the Rhinos "its not how you start the season its how you finish it"
Leeds Forever
Forever Leeds
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Still stunning to look at our average age.
Come on!
The first Leeds Tykes child mascot...#leedswasps0203season. #cheersbentos
Come on ye Tykes!!!!!!!
Looking forward to the game, I hope leeds put in a performance and apply some pressure
MoT
Leeds needs to go at them again and play with no fear. pressure is well and truly on the falcons and leeds need to make them feel it