Magne's Backgarden: Twickers to us
On a steaming hot day, September 2005, the Odd-Shaped crew set sail for the sweet cove of HQ. The start of every season is always full of expectation and excitement, no more shown by Baldrick, the 3G’s manager, due to a promotional campaign assigned to this website by his public house. A few scopes in the blazing sunshine and we were off on the slow train to everywhere.The train journey was largely uneventful, apart from a picnic, stickering every station on route (and there are a LOT of stations on route), providing beers to all in carriage D (civilians included) and of course the kidnap of Nick. Nick is a lovely springbok, on his way home to his loving wife before being thrust a ticket for the match and coerced into attending!
Okay, the match.
LI started as the dominate team from the off, and a mere finger nail denied young Delon a try having chased his own kick in the first 10 minutes; the exiles maintaining good possession and territory throughout this early period.
This changed with the Tykes first attack, with Biggs being released to go in at the corner after some good work in the midfield by Leeds. Ross missed the conversion.
5-0 Leeds
The Irish responded to this set back in a very positive manner and set about building on the early pressure. The Leeds defence battled gamely, if somewhat on the edge of the laws, to prevent the Irish crossing the try line. Repeated phases were rebuffed by both a determined Tykes defence, a few handling errors and Davey’s whistles (which were a tad unconventional!!).
An Everitt penalty was the only reward.
5-3 Leeds
Leeds were also handed a penalty, which Ross took.
8-3 Leeds
Finally, the breakthrough came. After some excellent work by the forwards, the ball was quickly shoved into mid-field to Catt. Catt’s intelligent pass found Penney, running at full tilt to run 25 yards unopposed, under the posts.
The boot placed the conversion between the posts.
10-8 Irish
Leeds came back and had their best phases of play. The Irish defence stood firm and allowed nobody to pass. Davey helped the Tykes out as they seemed clueless in breaking the gainline and award yet another penalty against the exiles forwards. Ross did his duty.
11-10 Leeds
Half time was now fast approaching. The atmosphere in the East stand from the 'away' fans was electric, with fine voices being spewed out to lift the lads. The boys seemed to be lifted, chasing a score before the whistle, when Catt provided once more. His kick though in the corner hit Ross's boot and pinged up fortuitously into the hands of Armitage. Delon ran the channel before diving, and what a dive, over the whitewash in the corner for the try. The fans went mad and Barry delivered the extras.
17-11 Irish. Half Time
The second half began as the first did, with Irish securing the possession and driving forward. The two props had been replaced with Collins on for Hatley and Skuse on for Hardwick. The two old men had had an immense first period, ensuring that a big Leeds front row did not dominate.
More replacements were made near the hour mark with Geraghty on for an injured Stan and Leguizamon on for the impressive Murphy.
Continued Irish pressure finally brought just reward after Armitage released Bish into the corner after a superb pass by Catt. The conversion was missed.
22-11 Irish
Leeds now knew they had to chase the game. Repeated penalties had them turning down the points and chasing tries, but so excellent work by the entire team ensured they did not get the craved 5 pointer. Even when Collins was binned for repeated infringement by the pack, the try line remained un-breached. Strudwick came on for Roche, who had been excellent all afternoon, for the final 5 minutes.
The final nail in the Tykes coffin came in the second minute of injury.
Leeds were awarded another penalty which was taken quickly by Marshall. His pass hit his own man and landed at the feet of Dawson, who turned and sprinted for the line. Bonus point time, and happy days. Let the party begin came the cry. The extras were not taken.
27-11 Irish. Full time
Overall it was an excellent performance by the entire squad and a 5 pointer to boot. This has got to be the way to play for the season and should ensure a good season. Leeds did help in providing a better game than the first, but must now be regretting their decision to switch their opening home game.
Their fans were a credit to their club, after a marathon of a journey to see their boys.
The MoTM has to be a close run thing, but I have to tip the nod to Catt. Our 33, soon to be 34 year old assisted 3 of the 4 tries and rolled the years back to his hey day. The pack stood up and were counted, but the girls showed great running lines and will only improve as the pre-season rust is removed.
Wuss next week, with another hangover booked for the Monday. Keep it going Irish, and come on the Odd-Shaped crew.
-- Master Scribe