3rd's Continue Winning Run

Saturday 22nd November 2014

Aldridge 2XV 8-22 Leek 3XV

On Saturday Leek 3rd XV made the long journey South to Aldridge for what turned out to be a bruising encounter.
On a pitch that was heavy with the rain over the previous day and long in grass the opportunity to play attractive was not always available. However it was Leek who had the 1st chance to take the lead when awarded a penalty 10 mins into the game but Hicks just missed the upright. Fortunately 10 mins later winger Harvey crossed over in the corner to give Leek a 5 point lead as the extras went missing.
To Aldridge's credit they tried to bully Leek with their heavier pack which created powder keg of situation which exploded when a "free for all" erupted, resulting in a player from each team being dismissed. The game eventually settled, allowing Leek to play the better flowing rugby which in turn resulted in a second try from flanker Skinner after good work by Capton enabled him to squeeze the ball down 10 yards in from touch and Hicks converted. Before half time Aldridge reduced the deficit with a converted penalty, but Leek went in at the break 3-12 in front. The Second half followed much the same as the 1st with leek spreading the ball wide at any opportunity and Aldridge dependent on their front row to try and trundle the ball forward. However this had an opposite effect as Aldridge quickly tired. Another penalty offence enable the lead to be increased to 3-15.
20 mins into the 2nd half good ball retention and play moving from one side of the pitch to the other by Leek enabled 2nd row Coleman to drive over just wide of the posts for an easy conversion by Scrum half Hicks, giving Leek a comfortable lead of 3-22.
Aldridge managed to salvage some pride when one of their few ventures into Leeks 22 enabled a spilt ball from a ruck which fell to their winger who eventually went over in the corner with the resulting conversion missed . Leek had managed to secure a well earned victory that takes them to 2nd in the league.
Capt' Hicks said later,
"To travel an hour and a half today to play with 20 players goes to show the commitment of this team and the spirit we have, and to come away from such a tough game winning so convincingly is a credit to all of my players " .
This coming Saturday Leek are at home to CANNOCK 2's. players meet at Esterchem park 1.15 for a 2.30 KO.

Report Author:

Rob HIcks