3rd XV
Matches
Sat 28 Nov 2015
Rugeley 2XV
19
15
Leek RFC
3rd XV
3rd XV Travel Away to Rugeley

3rd XV Travel Away to Rugeley

Marcus Midwinter1 Dec 2015 - 08:42
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Tough Battle In Harsh Conditions

Rugeley 2nd XV 19 - 15 Leek 3rd XV

Leek 3's travelled to Rugeley on Saturday on a day when Leek RUFC fielded 4 senior teams, which at this moment in the season is a rare occurrence but a massive achievement.Having said that Leek 3's and the Vets unfortunately had to travel with only 13 players each.

On a day that was not conducive to free flowing rugby due to the wind and rain, it was Leek who were first to register any points as after approximately 15 mins of playing with the advantage of a slope and with the wind in their favour they were awarded a penalty infringement and captain Hicks decided to opt for points on the board. 0-3.

As with all the games between these teams there is never much between the two sides and with the game being contested mainly within the middle of the park it could easily have gone either way, fortunately for leek it was they who managed to score next when the ball was worked by the forwards to the right hand side of the pitch then quickly passed through the hands to the opposite side of the pitch enabling outside centre Carter to touch down 20ft wide of the posts, the conversion was good by Hicks and Leek went into half time with a 0-10 lead.

It wasn't until 35 mins when Rugeley reduced the deficit with perseverance against the wind and strong defence they drove over the line, with the conversion against a strong wind Not possible, half time arrived 5-10 To be honest the slim lead of 5 points was never really going to be enough against a gutsy and tough Rugeley outfit. The 2nd half started and with plenty of ball carrying by their heavier forwards and some clever play by their 8, 9 & 10 it was not long before they registered more points with a well worked try and easy conversion, 12-10.

With the wind and rain now in Leeks faces and not helped by some inexperience in the backs Leek soon found theirselves further behind when Rugeley's wing made a fast break and was able to touchdown unchallenged under the posts, with the easiest of conversions Rugeley had returned a healthy lead which at the time was beginning to look unassailable. 19 - 10.
Leek now found themselves defending fearlessly, not being able to venture out of their own half and could have easily gone further behind, however with a penalty infringement in one of the few times they did manage escape their half a quick tap and go by Hicks with another penalty for not retreating 10 yards , enabled Leek to move the ball by fast hands to within 5 yards of the try line from there with the last play of the game Leek veteran Prop Des Bernie was able to drive over the line and touch down to reduce the deficit to 19-15 which Is how it remained as the conversion against the wind was sadly missed.

Credit to Rugeley who enabled the game to be played with equal numbers with the loaning of two players and a special mention to the official in charge who enabled a difficult game to be played flowing as best it could be and enjoyable by both sides.

Report Author:
Rob Hicks

Match details

Match date

Sat 28 Nov 2015

Kickoff

14:15
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