Leek 17

Newport 55

Leek started their home league programme against relegated Newport from National League 2 West, but whilst the home performance improved, the scoreline was severely damaged in the last 14 minutes with Leek down to 13 men. Still an encouraging display and plenty to come from the Moorlanders yet.

The team had quite a new look to it this week with debutant Jay Wilkinson, who has been plying his trade in the 2s for the last couple of seasons, starting at full back with Jack Newton Taylor and Josh Cartlidge on the wings. Kin Critchlow was partnered in the centres with Joe Gorman. Joe Byrne and Noah Reaney continued at half back.
Captain Joe Newton Taylor, Ed Cheadle and returning Lewis Dunleavy were in the front row with Joel Booth and Tom Hayes at lock. Ollie Powell started at No.8 with Billy Kid and Brenig Hughes on the flanks.
Danny Griffin, Jack Bray and Josh Nadin were on the bench.

On a glorious, blustery day at Altrad Park, the game kicked off with Leek on the front foot for the opening quarter. Josh Cartlidge and Kin Critchlow both went close but neither could hold on to the ball with solid defence from the visitors.
Newport took a lead on 11 minutes after Leek was penalised at the scrum on their 22 in front of goal. The Newport 10 converted the penalty and was to prove very effective all afternoon. 0-3.
3 minutes later and Leek equalised with a Joe Byrne penalty, after winning the kick off return and forcing an error in the Newport 22. 3-3
On 22 minutes, Leek had pinned Newport into their own 22 with a penalty and a lineout to come. However, the overthrow led directly to Newport winning the ball and catching the Leek backs off guard. Good passing and fast running led to the opening try. The conversion was good, and Newport led 3-10 on 24 minutes.
From the kick off, Newport's No.8 tore through would be tacklers, passed to the right wing who sprinted in under the posts for a frustrating score for the home fans. 3-17 on 25 minutes.
On 34 minutes, Newport increased their lead with a penalty for a no release in the tackle. 3-20 and then on 36 minutes, Ed Cheadle was yellow carded for a late tackle and the half ended with out further score at 3-20.

The opening 7 minutes of the 2nd half saw the Leek defence in superb form, frustrating the visitor's attacks in the 22 and winning a lineout to hopefully relieve the pressure but the lineout catch was fumbled and led to a succession of drives leading to Newport's 3rd try. The conversion was good, and the score moved to 3-27.
On 54 minutes Newport secured their try bonus point after another Leek knock forward, then a scrum and penalty near to Leek's line, leading to a strong drive over the line. The conversion was good, and the score moved to 3-34.
Leek needed some luck and inspiration and on 63 minutes, it finally came after a lineout win in the Newport 22, led to pressure near the line and good hands wide, saw Josh Cartlidge sprint in by the posts. Joe Byrne converted, and Leek had a chance to change the momentum at 10-34.
Alas, it was not to be, as both props, Joe Newton Taylor and Lewis Dunleavy, were yellow carded at successive scrums as the pressure mounted.
Newport cut through Leek's defences for the next 10 minutes scoring 3 more converted tries before a last play try for hard working Danny Griffin who crashed over after a high tackle penalty led to a Newport yellow card. Joe Byrne converted, and the full-time whistle blew with the score at 17-55.

Another tough loss for Leek, but signs of improvement and inexperienced players getting their chance to gain more opportunity at this level. Small steps and a positive attitude will prevail, and the Leek players know they have to work hard to turn the corner on the score board.

Leek remains 12th in the league without a win. Birkenhead Park, Stoke and Kendal also remain winless and the tough start to the season continues for Leek with their 3rd away trip this Saturday to Wirral.

Leek 2s received their first loss of the league season at Newcastle 2s on Saturday by 32-22 and will be hoping to get back on a winning track when they entertain Handsworth 1st XV this Saturday at Altrad Park.
Please come down and support the 2s if you cannot make it to Wirral. Both kick offs are 3pm.