Three in a row? - The Tykes say no.

By BrianC
October 13 2004

Next weekend sees us playing somewhat against the norm at home on a Saturday. We take on Leeds Tykes. After an impressive and, let us be frank, unexpected victory at Sale last weekend we go into this game brimming with confidence.

Leeds have had a patchy start to the season recording only two wins out of their six starts thus far. These were away at Saracens and, last week, at home to new boys Worcester Warriors. What is very apparent looking at their defeats thus far is that, with the exception of their round two defeat at Leicester,  all have been by very narrow margins. Having picked up three losing bonus points they currently sit tenth in the table with eleven points, only two less than ourselves.

It was only in the 2001/2 season that Leeds were promoted to the ZP. They now appear to be so much a part it that you have to remind yourself just what ripples they caused in that season by having the timerity to take on, and defeat, more established clubs. Whilst they finished up bottom of the ZP that season it came down to the wire between themselves, Bath and Harlequins. They were in fact spared relegation as the powers that be deemed ND1 champions Rotherham not to have a ground good enough for the premiership. The following season they raised more eyebrows finishing fifth in the table and qualifying for the Heineken cup in the process.

Last season we managed a double over Leeds with a 31 – 16 victory at the Madejski in October and a 9 – 16 victory at Headingley in February.

After an indifferent start to the London Irish season things now appear to be coming together well. A convincing, if not particularly pretty, victory over Saracens in round five was followed by the surprise 16 – 17 defeat of table heading Sale at Edgeley Park last Friday. We again seem to be finding the ability to score tries, something that eluded us all of last season. The 8/9 combination is as good as we have seen in may a year. Our lineout, to quote Gary Gold is ‘Sublime’, this has given us a lot of ball, often against the head, thus far this season.

There are downsides that should however be mentioned. Our injury list continues to be a cause for concern. Four of our first choice squad are out long term and other players, examples being My Catt and Stan the Man last weekend, are picking up injuries that put them out for a game or two. Thank goodness we have some depth in the squad this year, without it we could be in all sorts of trouble. One other area that is worrying some is our scrum, whilst the forawrds are excelling in the lineout they do appear to be missing some ‘grunt’ when it comes to these. The Leeds pack are no slouches and will look to exploit this weakness.

We could and should win on Saturday but victory will certainly not be easy and, despite all our current confidence, is not something we should take for granted. I feel it will be tight, Irish by five.