Leek travelled to Eccleshall for the opening match in the Under 16’s League for a replay of the semi final fixture for the Staffs Cup last season where Leek were beaten by a very well drilled Barbarians side.

From the moment the boys walked onto the pitch it felt different and so it proved. Leek won the toss and from the kick off Leek took a very physical game to last years Staffordshire Cup runners up.

Wave after wave of attack from the E&L Barbarians broke against the hard tackling of Leek Leopards with Leeks forwards making life very difficult in the open, the breakdown and especially the scrum.

Eventually the pressure paid off with Powell opening the Leek account with a characteristic break and drive over the line.

Leek started the second half in the way it finished the first and worked the ball deep into the Barbarians half before a quick penalty was taken by Goode who, with work to do, made a great run and finish in the corner adding to Leek’s opener. 0-10 Leek.

Several scoring chances slipped by for Leek as they continued to apply pressure but Eccleshall / Longton fought hard until the end securing a try for their efforts in the last play of the game. Final score E&L Barbarians 5-10 Leek Leopards.

A fantastic team effort, every player putting in a shift in front of great travelling support.