Midlands 2 West (North)
Leek 36 Tamworth 14
Leek welcomed its Vice Presidents and former players to a pre match buffet and the side was led onto the pitch by Leek Under 12s team as mascots before a respected minute’s silence was held pitch side in memory of the victims of the pandemic.

Leek’s team, when they last played a league fixture at Esterchem Park, was much changed and included 5 former colts in the starting fifteen from when they were colts in 2020 alongside some familiar faces as well.

Ed Cheadle leads his club for the 3rd playing season and 4th in succession which is a post war record only surpassed by Gareth Jones in the1980s who captained for 5 seasons.
Ed with brother Bobby and Lee Williams made up the front row.
Ex Linley player Matt Broad made his debut at lock with Ben Barlow. Billy Kidd and 2 of the former colts, Ollie Powell at No.8 and Sam Lloyd at blindside made up a youthful backrow.
Dan Needham and Will Midwinter were at half back with Rob McDermott and James Floyd combining in an experienced centre partnership.
Tom Scragg and Sam Brereton were on the wings with Jack Newton Taylor at full back.
Joel Hine, Joel Booth and Isaac Reaney made up the bench.

With a couple of global law trials and specific orders for referees to be more forceful in administering penalties rather than talking to players to leave a situation, the game kicked off in glorious sunshine with a sizeable crowd in attendance.

On 6 minutes, Leek were pressing and held up over the line meaning the first goal line drop out by the defence was taken, instead of it being a 5 metre scrum. The ball came back to Leek outside the Tamworth 22 where it was fielded by Jack Newton Taylor. He and Sam Brereton combined before Rob McDermott drove to within 5 metres of the line. A couple of rucks later and Ollie Powell went over for a try in the left corner. Will Midwinter couldn’t convert but Leek led early 5-0.

Tamworth came back strongly and took the led on 12 minutes after a Leek clearance only found the Tamworth full back who ran the ball back on the open side and combined with the fly half and eventually the No8 scored a good try by the posts. The conversion was good and Tamworth led 5-7.
On 18 minutes, Leek won a penalty as the Tamworth 10 strayed offside on the 22 and Will Midwinter kicked for the lineout on Tamworth’s 5 metre line. Persistent pressure near the line then led to a string of passes to the right and wing Tom Scragg finished off the move in the corner. Midwinter hit a superb conversion and Leek retook the lead at 12-7.
Another penalty on 28 minutes, as Tamworth tried to run the ball out from their own 22, led to a successful Midwinter penalty extending the lead to 15-7.

Leek pressed again on 31 minutes and won a penalty for changing binding as the strong maul outside the Tamworth 22 was moving well. The kick for the lineout this time produced a vintage catch and drive try for skipper Ed Cheadle in the left corner. Another great conversion by Will Midwinter nudged Leek up to 22-7 and Leek were threatening every time they had possession now.

On 37 minutes, Sam Brereton only just failed to score with a foot in touch after a superb break and kick ahead by Will Midwinter but a knock on gave Leek a scrum on Tamworth’s 5 metre line form which they won a penalty. Another penalty for holding on in the tackle and Dan Needham was off on a quick tap only to be hauled back by the referee. Still, the alert Needham was looking for a swift move and tapping again he found Rob McDermott out wide and he ghosted in for the 4th and bonus point try. Midwinter converted and the half time whistle came with leek in control at 29-7.

Tamworth came out determined in the 2nd half and on 55 minutes nearly scored after a great break, left the wing trying to stay infield but he touched the line. Leek were now offending more persistently and the referee warned Ed Cheadle and the next penalty led to a yellow card for Bobby Cheadle but that was after Tamworth scored their 2nd try from good rucking after a 5 metre lineout on 61 minutes.
The conversion was good and at 29-14 with a man down Tamworth sensed this was a moment to take the advantage.
The opposite happened however as Leek retained possession for much of the 10 minutes keeping Tamworth pinned in their own half. McDermott managed to secure a 50/22 kick allowing Leek to win a lineout in Tamworth’s 22 but the not straight line meant the pressure released.

Leek were pressing again in the last 10 minutes and on 77 minutes Ollie Powell scored his 2nd try after Lee Williams drove for the line. The rucking was good and Powell finally charged over the line for the score on the right. Midwinter completed a fine afternoon’s kicking with another good conversion and the game ended with Leek holding the midfield.
Final score Leek 36 – 14 Tamworth.

The game had been played in good spirit with a good deal of skill and control and both sets of players are to be congratulated.

It’s early days yet, but this was an encouraging performance by Leek’s senior side with the youngsters all showing up well and the experienced players combining well. It’s a good mix that can yet be improved upon as coaches Joel Booth and Chris Mudd plan the next game which is away at promoted Uttoxeter this Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Leek’s next home game is on October 9th when Camp Hill visit Esterchem Park.

Author John McDermott