1st XV
Matches
Sun 01 May 2022
Walsall (@ Burton RFC)
27
42
Leek RFC
1st XV
Moorlanders Triumph In Epic Game

Moorlanders Triumph In Epic Game

Marcus Midwinter2 May 2022 - 20:50
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2nd Half Fight Back Secures The League & Cup Double

Sunday 1st May 2022

Staffordshire Rugby Union Intermediate Cup Final at Burton RFC for the Lewis Taylor Cup.

Walsall 27

Leek 42

At the end of an extraordinary game, the Moorlanders won the cup they have sought on 4 previous final occasions but had not managed to get over the line. This time, against closest league rivals, Walsall, they overcame a blistering start by their opponents which lasted into the 2nd half before finally stunning them with 5 unanswered tries in the final 20 minutes of a pulsating game to win it.

Joe Byrne, Sam Brereton and Jack Newton Taylor were the starting back 3 with Rob McDermott and James Floyd in the centre. Liam McDermott and Will Midwinter were at half back, starting together against Walsall for the first time this season.

Bobby Cheadle, skipper Ed Cheadle and Lee Williams were in the front row and Joel Hine joined Joel Booth at lock. George Hunt and Billy Kidd were on the flanks with Ollie Powell at No.8.

For the final, there was a bench of 7 players including Sam Lloyd, Luke Hardern, Ben Barlow, Joe Newton Taylor, Ollie Drew, Adam Varley, Jack Fryer.

After 3 minutes, Leek had a scrum on their own 10 metre line but were summarily shoved off the ball and then the Leek backs were offside. The Walsall fly half duly kicked the penalty to open the scoring at 3-0 and signal what was to prove a dominating 50 minutes of forward play and a tough afternoon to stay in the game for Leek.

18 minutes in and Leek were on the board after Joe Byrne came into the line and burst into the Walsall half. Winning a lineout, the following ruck found Walsall’s backs offside and Will Midwinter kicked Leek level at 3 all.

4 minutes later and Walsall were camped on Leek’s 5 metre line. Rucks close to the line were fiercely defended by the Leek pack and they won a penalty for not releasing in the tackle to clear the danger.

Still Walsall pressed and on 27 minutes they won a penalty for in at side of the ruck after the inside centre made a clean break to Leek’s 22. The penalty was good and Walsall retook the lead at 6-3.

Leek came back into the game and on 33 minutes won a penalty for not rolling away at the tackle and Will Midwinter kicked Leek level at 6 all.

With the half ending, Leek could be well satisfied with holding their opponents to 6 all after possession and territory were ceded for most of the half but the final play brought Walsall a try from their scrum half who scuttled over the line following strong rucking by the forwards. The conversion was good and the half finished with Walsall deservedly leading 13-6.

Leek had already brought on Luke Hardern at lock and now introduced Joe Newton Taylor to the front row in an effort to steady the scrum.

Will Midwinter kicked a first minute of 2nd half penalty given for offside, to reduce the deficit to 13-9 and Leek probably thought they were well back in the game, but Walsall had other ideas and on 44 minutes won a lineout in the Leek 22 after a superb 50/22 kick.

The influential inside centre took the ball on the charge after the backs had passed the ball right and the Leek defence couldn’t hold the strong run. The conversion was good and Walsall increased their lead to 20-7.

It was to get worse for Leek 9 minutes later when Walsall opted to scrum after a penalty on Leek’s 5 metre line. The Captain and No.8 picked the ball up at the back of the scrum, passed left and a good try was scored in the corner. The conversion was superb and Walsall extended their lead to 27-9 on 54 minutes.

The Leek faithful were being severely tested having not seen their team in this position before during the season and it would take a huge effort by the entire squad to turn what seemed like an impossible task, into a winning position. Hold on!

On 57 minutes, Leek won a penalty after a lineout and opted to kick for another lineout near Walsall’s 5 metre line. They won the ball and edged the maul towards the Walsall line. The maul went down and after a ruck Joe Byrne was held up over the line. However, the referee was playing advantage and he penalised Walsall’s No.8 for hands in the ruck and issued a yellow card.

Leek went for the lineout again and this time, the successful drive saw Rob McDermott at the back of the maul touch down to give Leek renewed hope. Will Midwinter’s superb conversion moved Leek up to 16-27 on 60 minutes and the fightback was on.

Walsall continued to press and a break on the left saw a chip to Leek’s 5 metre line dangerously bounce before Rob McDermott caught it, rounded a couple of players before a quick driving maul led to a breakout on the right wing. Jack Newton Taylor, Joe Byrne and a couple of forwards led the continuity before the defence ran out of cover and the final ball to Luke Hardern saw the lock race in from 22 metres. Will Midwinter converted and it was 23-27 on 68 minutes.

3 minutes later and Leek were in the lead after another blistering break following a turnover in Leek’s 22 and then involving all backs, Sam Brereton, Jack Newton Taylor, and Rob McDermott combining to send the young fullback sprinting to the centre of the Walsall posts. Will Midwinter converted and Leek led for the first time at 30-27 on 71 minutes.

From the kick off, the ball failed to reach the 10-metre line and Walsall’s players stopped as, the ever alert, Jack Newton Taylor took the ball, weaved past 3 defenders before just making it to the left corner for the 4th Leek try. Midwinter’s conversion just failed but Leek now led 35-27 in the 74th minute.

The momentum had swung dramatically and on 82 minutes the scoring completed as Billy Kidd sprinted home after another turnover on Leek’s 22. Joe Byrne supplied the pass as the young, unsung flanker, ever in the supporting role, scored his try under the posts. Will Midwinter converted and the game ended with a stunning 42-27 score line which 20 minutes earlier had looked almost impossible.

It must be mentioned that Ollie Powell at No.8 had an immense game, spending the first half doing nothing but tackle, and in the 2nd half inspiring the forwards to follow him, as he carried with strength, drawing defenders to him. Coach Joel Booth, skipper Ed Cheadle along with the whole squad can be rightly proud of their season as Leek completed the league and cup double to end a memorable campaign.

Onwards and upwards now as Leek move to level 6 in the league structure and it will require more hard work and dedication to maintain their position. But for now, it’s time to have a well-earned rest and enjoy the memory of a superb season.

Thank you from all the supporters and members who have followed the team and club this season.

Author: John McDermott

Match details

Match date

Sun 01 May 2022

Kickoff

15:30
Team overview
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