OLD SALTLEIANS v LEEK, MATCH REPORT

With the league already won, Leek’s focus will be on the game this Saturday, when the Moorlanders take on Aspatria for the right to play at Twickenham in the RFU Intermediate Cup Final.
Old Salts deserved their win after holding on in the dying minutes as Leek pressed for a score. In truth, Leek gifted 2 tries to their hosts and they took full advantage with a lively set of backs led by the scrum half.

Leek won’t be too worried about the result, notching their first losing bonus point of the season and coming through the game injury free.
Bobby Cheadle opened the scoring on 2 minutes with a try in the right corner but Old Salts hit back with 2 tries of their own on 5 and 13 minutes, converting the 2nd to lead 12-5.

James Floyd reduced the deficit with a try in the right corner but Sam Hunt couldn’t add the conversion against the strong wind. 12-10.
In the 7th minute of overtime in the half, Old Salts sprinted clear down the left after Leek’s attack broke down with a careless pass. A great conversion followed and Old Salts led 19-10 at the break.
Old Salts scored their 4th try on 50 minutes before Leek hit back with a Shane Dicker try and a Sam Hunt conversion to reduce the lead to 7 points at 24-17 on 54 minutes.
Try as they might, Leek couldn’t bag the 4th and had to settle for the losing bonus point.
Well played to Old Salts whose players stuck at it and took the honours.

Leek’s players will now turn their attention to Saturday’s game against Aspatria in the hope they can get their preparation right and field the 22 man squad required to compete in this unprecedented of matches for the Staffs Moorlands outfit.

Please note that there is a £5 entrance fee for this game in line with RFU regulations. It is to help defray travelling costs for the opposition as well as the costs for the day’s other facilities. Please find one of the 12 gatemen who will be manning the entrances at both the front of the grounds and the rear.
Under 16’s will be allowed free entry.

If you can consider leaving your car at home, that would be helpful, otherwise most parking will be allowed on the Wall Lane ground at the south entrance to St Edwards Park.
We are expecting a large crowd and your co-operation is much appreciated.

The day starts at 1pm with the clubhouse opening then.
A bus is running from Derby Street to the club before and after the game. Please check the website for details and in the Leek Post this week

Author John McDermott