London Scottish preview
By Haxbytyke
November 15 2013
The eyes of most English rugby supporters will be trained on SW London this Saturday, but they will be aimed at Twickenham to see ifEnglandcan repeat last seasons’ victory over the mighty All Blacks. Yet even before they take to the turf, just a long goal kick away at The Athletic Ground, our own Leeds Carnegie will be looking to strengthen their position in the top four of the Championship.
They journey down the M1 to take on a London Scottish side who have made a decent start to the season, and currently lie in 6th place, five points adrift of Leeds. They have won four of their seven games, but significantly, their defeats have come at the hands of Bristol, Rotherham, and Cornish Pirates, a pattern which suggests they may just lack the fire power to take on the higher placed clubs. They have however conceded just 113 points, only the league leaders having a better defensive record.
So, if Leeds are to come away with a win they have to find a way through the Scottish rearguard, and there is little doubt they have the players capable of doing that. It is a bonus that Stevie McColl has been allowed to return from his international call up to feature, and he along with Dave Doherty are the two speed merchants Leeds will be hoping to use to full effect. With Hampo using his trickery, and Lozzer and Burdon creating the gaps, there is no reason why the visitors cannot put a dent in the hosts’ points against column.
To do that of course, the forwards have to do their job. Only the one change, Doyle in for Walker, who I think, can count himself unlucky to drop out, but a welcome return on the bench for Rich. Beck, it is good to see him pulling on a Leeds shirt again. Two sacks will be missed, but James Currie is an able understudy, and providing the line out is functioning, I think Leeds will have enough power up front to come away with a victory.
A bonus point as well would be just that, a bonus, and with a bit of luck we will travel back home with a 5 point win. With Bristol taking on Rotherham, any win should move Leeds up at least one place in the table, and create a bit of breathing space from the following pack
Of the other games this weekend, Bedford host Moseley this evening, on current form a game that could go either way, while fifth placed Pirates travel to take on a Jersey side who are struggling to find their feet a bit this season. For all that, the Pirates are inconsistent, and the Islanders may well fancy their chances. London Welsh should prove too strong for the Trailfinders, while a clash between Nottingham and Plymouth completes this round of fixtures..
I hope those of you who can go have a safe trip, wear your hats with Yorkshire Pride. Enjoy the game.
COME ONLEEDS
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:11:26:06:42:23 by Wildwillie .
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
A welcome return for young Beck - I have no doubt he will bring something extra into our backrow play.
PADDYTAF.
"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"
Scottish aren't an easy proposition at home and it would appear that their defence is fairly watertight but
This is what we have to ask ourselves -
Would the lower end Premiership clubs (Newcastle, London Irish, Worcester) slip up there?
The answer, imho, is no and that's the standard we have to measure ourselves against if we are serious about getting promoted and then surviving and prospering in the AP.
As with the Roth game last week, I expect us to win.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
lCearly I need some lessons from PaddtTaf.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:11:15:20:52:06 by almostatyke.
Quote:almostatyke
Just[color=#CCCC99][/color]experimenting with colour[color=#00CCFF][/color]
lCearly I need some lessons from PaddtTaf.
Zandra YaPoI
YaPoI - Yorkshire and Proud of It
'proficiscor in una'
I expect a win, but I don't think it will be easy. Scottish have aspirations of returning to the top flight and their recent progress up the leagues and Championship shows this.