1st XV
Matches
Sat 23 Oct 2021  ·  Midlands 2 West (North)
Crewe & Nantwich
26
32
Leek RFC
1st XV
Tries: J Byrne, E Anderson, R McDermott, J Hine, L WilliamsConversions: W Midwinter (2)Penalties: W Midwinter
1st XV Claim a Last Gasp Victory

1st XV Claim a Last Gasp Victory

Marcus Midwinter28 Oct 2021 - 14:26
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https://www.leekrfc.org.uk/tea

Bonus Point Away Win

Leek RUFC 1st XV travelled to Crewe and Nantwich Rugby club which has for the past few years always seen a closely fought game.

Saturday was no different. Due to various unavailability’s the squad was again tested with the front row starting with the ever present Bobby Cheadle, Ed Cheadle [C] and Lee Williams. The second row started with Harvey Bullman and Ben Barlow with a back row of Joel Booth, Billy Kidd and Joel Hine. There was one change in the back line from the previous week, with the key 3 positions remaining the same with Dan Needham, Will Midwinter and Rob McDermott. They were supported by Tom Scragg and on both wings Elliot Anderson and Joel Byrne with Jack Newton Taylor again starting at full back. On the subs bench Liam McDermott and Tom Fairhurst with a first call up of the league season for Will Hill.

On a dry day at C and N the game was kicked off by Leek, however immediately full back Jack NT sustained a hamstring injury which caused a quick re-shuffle with the arrival of multi position player, Liam McDermott, at full back, who through injury had not played a full 1st XV game for over 4 yrs.
After 10 mins Leek were on their 22 and made some ball decisions which were too complicated and lost possession, C and N immediately moved the ball well between the forwards and centres to score with a well taken conversion to go up 7-0.

This seemed to wake Leek up and for the next period Leek always seemed to be on the attack, with flanker Kidd winning several line outs against the head. On 21 mins Leek again won a line out with a well constructed catch and drive move for 20 mtrs, however they were just held up by C and N on the line. On 25 mins Leek were able to get their first points on the board with a move that started on Leeks 10 mtr line through the boot of Rob McDermott who kicked a good 50 mtrs to touch. The line out was won and moved across to Elliot Anderson who made ground, the ball was then controlled and moved across the back line to the opposite winger young Joe Byrne who went over to score in the corner, with the tough conversion missed the score moved to 7-5.

On 29 mins Rob McDermott hit a great 50/22 kick which saw Leek on the attack and seemed to be having better control of the game. The ball was again well managed through different phases of play and in to the hands of Elliot Anderson who went over to score in the corner with the kick scored by Midwinter to take a 7-12 lead. On half time the Leek forwards and backs combined well and kept control of the ball for a swift pass from Midwinter to Rob Mc to score under the posts allowing Midwinter to take the additional 2 points and go into HT up at 7-19. Clearly the first 20 mins of the second half were going to be a challenge to both teams.

From the restart Bullman secured the ball, as he did all game to ensure the kicking boots of Midwinter moved the ball some distance which Leek were unable to secure points from.
On 45 mins Leek made some handling mistakes on the half way line which allowed C and N to get back in the game with a try scored, however the conversion was missed to take the score to 12-19. On 55 mins again through the long range kicking of Rob Mc to touch, the forwards were able to secure the ball from the line out and through some well controlled mauling, No 8 Joel Hine was able to get over the line to secure the try. The conversion was missed but Leek were now 12-24 in the lead.

On 60 mins C and N were 5 mtrs from the Leek try line, looking to score but some excellent forwards play was able to disrupt the ball and clear their lines. For the next 10 minutes Leek looked to be in control however on 70 mins a poor Leek kick into the hands of a C and N player allowed their well drilled forwards to score under the posts after a couple of missed tackles, with a successful conversion taken C and N were now back in the game at 19-24.This provided confidence to C and N who on 75 mins scored a well controlled try again under Leek posts with the conversion taken to go in front at 26-24.The final few minutes were going to be a testament to the Leek team spirit and under guidance of captain Ed Cheadle they continued to move forward from the kick off and on 78 minutes were awarded a penalty for a high neck tackle on Cheadle, which under pressure Midwinter coolly dissected the posts to take the score to 26-27.

Immediately from the C and N kick off, Bullman again secured the ball and with a rolling maul of approx 45 mtrs the Leek forwards retained possession and with the quick thinking of scrum half Needham, moved the ball along the line for prop Lee Williams, to score in the corner from 5 mtrs, with the conversion missed and the final whistle blown Leek came out as winners 26-32 and a bonus point win. The game was a great reflection of amateur community rugby. After the match Head Coach Booth stated “I was very pleased with our ability to remain calm and controlled for many parts of the game despite the initial injury to one of our players but it highlights the value of a squad along with the team spirit”

Leek 1st XV now play in a top of the table clash against Walsall at Esterchem Park, Saturday 30th October 3pm KO.

During this coming weekend the club are hosting their Beer Festival starting at 5.30pm Friday 29th October with a Veterans game against Eccleshall Veterans under floodlights KO 7.30pm.

The Travelling Greek Taverna BBQ is also at the club on Friday bet 4-8pm
Saturday the bar opens at 1pm with music from 5.30pm
We also have a Home 2nd XV game v Oswestry

Keep viewing the club Facebook and Instagram for the beers on offer and the Sponsor support.

Author Mark Hardern

Match details

Match date

Sat 23 Oct 2021

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

Midlands 2 West (North)

League position

2
Leek
9
Crewe & Nantwich
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Main Sponsor - Altrad
Team and Player Sponsor - Allmet
Team Sponsor - Leek Signs
Player Sponsor - FMF Construction
Player Sponsor - Faulker Powell Mortgages
Colts Team Sponsor - Waterer Dental Care
Player Sponsor - ESTERCHEM
Club, Mini and Junior Sponsor - Leek Building Society
Game Sponsor - Brian Mellor Financial Services Ltd
Club Sponsor - Moorland Classic Cars
Club Sponsor - Dear Barber
Club and Player Sponsor - EasyFix Emblems Ltd
Club Sponsor - H. Meakin and Sons Ltd
U13 2017-18 - Team Sponsor - Ornua Foods UK Ltd
Player and U15's Team Sponsor - Mounsey Chartered Surveyors
Club Sponsor - Breeze House
Club Sponsor, player sponsor - Investco Land Ltd
Shorts sponsor - Taylormade
Player sponsor - The Barns at Alderlee
Player sponsor - Wheel n Tyres
Player sponsor - Therapy with Katie
Club and kit sponsor - Adept Vehicle Management
Player sponsor - Standon House Management Ltd
Kit sponsor - Bury & Hilton