Nice one Dave
By Gelbel
February 9 2014
If you think the Murrayfield pitch was somewhat iffy yesterday; you’d think it was a world-class crown green bowls pitch compared to Ealing’s Vallis Way offering. Four of us turned up as sand was being laid on the pitch that the sun and wind had made playable – just. I can’t help thinking gravy granules would’ve been a better option. Even the players were in awe; the sight of Phil Nilsen delicately tip toeing across the swamp as the team came out to go to the swanky dugouts will stay with me for a long time. As for the wind; Moseley’s wind tunnel is the gentlest breeze by comparison to what the gods were offering up.
The match started with Leeds playing in to the very bright sun. The away side took a few minutes to get used to the heavy conditions, with Ealing starting better of the two teams. Ealing made an early attack which ended with Jacob Rowan spending 10 minutes in the bin for not releasing. Ealing missed the penalty.
Leeds opened the scoring when Griffin kicked the ball ahead which Burdon landed on to score. Lozowski converted. There followed some pack action which was accompanied by the sounds of mud sploshing worthy of a Sir David Attenborough hippopotamus documentary. Ealing managed to get the ball out and their #11 trudged up the wing to score. The conversion was missed.
Leeds missed a couple of kicks to touch (necessary as they were both much too far out to attempt due to the wind) as they were sent too high and whipped back by the wind. The forwards powered ahead and Ben Hooper was driven over for a converted try. 5-12 after 25 minutes.
Leeds continued to attack but Ealing got a couple of turnovers. They were awarded a penalty that was scored. Holmes made a fabulous break from deep within Leeds’ half and, although he was very likely to score, he unselfishly passed to Burdon who made it a certain try. Lozowski converted then added a penalty to make it 8-24 at half-time.
Ealing scored first in the second half with a penalty. Doc was unlucky not to score but only got a face-full of mud for his efforts. The forwards took control and two quick tries came from Graham and Myerscough; the latter being a nicely worked effort out wide. Both conversions were missed; one bending in a perfect arc as the wind grabbed it.
Replacements started to take place and it was easy to spot who they were due to their pristine kits; Tussac looks very fit (in the athletic sense) despite his forced break and new loanee Sisi was bringing down Ealing players over the place and took a lot of getting down.
Griffin scored one of his sublime tries by kicking the ball up the touchline, chased it while dodging several Ealing players and scored in the corner. Lozowski converted to make it 11-41 just past the hour mark.
Then, just to add to the awful conditions, it started to rain. And all the soft southern Ealing supporters disappeared inside to watch the demise of Wales. Us weather hardened northerners watched Goss score one in the corner and was denied another in the same spot due to a forward pass in the last play of the match. Final score 11-41.
So in summary, a good result in horrible conditions; which actually added to the fun although I doubt either team thought that. The home fans were full of praise for Holmes, the yardage he makes and our defence. The Bath supporters who’ve visited our forum with comments about Sisi are right; he’s a lump - a rather disruptive one. As a comparison, while Buzz may be subtle (if you can have a subtle battering ram) Sisi isn’t.
Ealing have a lovely set up, it’s a cracking match day experience as the marketing people would say and the natives are friendly. I doubt they will stay up, especially with Jersey winning yesterday. But as I heard many say they did not expect how much of a step up the Championship would be.
A nice day out ended with avoiding anything Calcutta Cup related and watching the recording when I got home. Let's hope the weekend finishes on a high with Rotherham doing the business down at Oxford today.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:02:17:13:07:56 by Gelbel.
I enjoyed that thoroughly. Leeds' handling in poor conditions were a bit of a revelation (to me anyway, I only get to 5-6 games per season).
From my more regular viewing days Leeds were the masters of (a) penalty for holding on in the tackle and (b) knock ons. Not so yesterday.
Young Lozowski looks like the real thing. We've found a gem there. Fly halves who kick well (as he does) aren't usually the ones who can make breaks and then pass intelligently.
Good venue and friendly locals. It was irksome that lady clearing fans away from tables for players to sit and eat at. The players certainly deserve a seat and a good scran but surely there is a better way of managing that faff.
Did anybody else find the secret back entrance?
Quote:Knavesmire
Did anybody else find the secret back entrance?
Madtyke did. Assuming we're talking about the same thing.
Good to get a sense of the game and occasion - adds well to the excellent Radio Leeds commentary.
A good 5 points away from home, especially as Bris had a great result at Bedford.
Unfortunately, I can't see Roth getting more than an lbp this afternoon though.
Watched the offy highlights this afternoon. Appalled by the pitch. It must have only just been classed as playable.
Good to get a very convincing win! 5 more points next week please
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
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I thought all the Dave's did pretty well given the conditions, although Rodney out on the wing didn't see much of the ball. That lad Rodney from Bath could be useful - a fine battering ram.
Dave McGhee in the bar seemed pretty happy with the result - certainly provided him with better cheer than his national side.
Excellent little club, and the best big screen ever.