Leek maintained top spot in the league after overcoming a tough opponent in C&N at Esterchem Park on Saturday eventually outscoring their opponents by 6 tries to 2.

There were 2 or 3 changes this week as covid and unavailability combined but still Leek can field an experienced squad and its back 3 was Jo Byrne, Sam Brereton and Adam Varley. James Floyd and Rob McDermott were in the centre and Liam McDermott and Will Midwinter at half back.
No Bobby Cheadle this week, meaning a start in the front row for Joe Newton Taylor who is gradually getting back to fitness following a long layoff. He partnered skipper Ed Cheadle and Lee Williams. Luke Hardern returned at lock with Joel Hine. George Hunt, Ollie Powell and Billy Kidd were in the backrow.
Joel Booth, Ben Barlow and Ollie Drew were on the bench.

The game kicked off with a strong cross field wind blowing on a good surface with Leek dominating the first 30 minutes as C&N struggled to contain a powerful start from the Moorlanders.
Indeed, it took 2 minutes for the first try when Sam Brereton scored in the left corner after a C&N scrum in their own 22 then led to a knock-on which Leek pounced on, took advantage from and opened the scoring. Will Midwinter missed the conversion, but Leek led early, 5-0.
On 12 minutes, leek doubled their lead with the right-wing Adam Varley scoring on his wing after a lineout win on C&N’s 10 metre line saw Leek’s forwards and backs combining left and right with quick ball and great support leading to the overlap for Varley to score. Again, the conversion went wide but Leek led 10-0.
Leek were in control as C&N struggled to construct any meaningful attack, but their resilience kept Leek out until the 23rd minute after Leek put together another combined forwards and backs movement to give them a ruck position on the 5-metre line. Probing each side, Joel Hine then crashed over by the post for Leek’s 3rd try. This tome Will Midwinter kicked the conversion and Leek led 17-0.
From the kick-off, Leek were on the charge and were held up over the line. Referee Shaun Godfrey was playing advantage though for in at the side of ruck and Leek opted to kick the simple penalty through Midwinter to increase the lead to 20-0 on 28 minutes.
C&N needed to get a foothold in the game, and it came after a clever kick ahead caught fullback Jo Byrne having to concede a penalty as he held on in the tackle. The lineout on that side of the pitch was impossible to be straight though but Leek conceded another 2 penalties in their 22 with C&N opting to scrum. Leek’s defence was then called into action as it competed all over their own 22 to deny C&N a clear scoring opportunity and the half ended with a Leek penalty to touch.

Half Time – Leek 20-0 C&N.

The 2nd half opened with another quick score from Leek. This time, a knock on gave Leek a scrum and then patiently retaining the ball, committing defenders then making the space work, Joe Byrne was on the overlap to score the bonus point try on the right. Midwinter kicked an excellent conversion and Leek were 27-0 ahead with 42 minutes played.
It’s fair to report C&N then dominated the next 15 minutes after they made a change at fly half and his impact was immediate. From the kick-off restart, Leek failed to retain the ball and a lineout outside the Leek 22 saw the 10 deciding to have a go himself, sidestepped defenders and touched down under the posts on 44 minutes. The conversion was good, and Leek’s lead was cut to 27-7.
5 minutes later and C&N’s revival continued as the fly half conjured a break on the left on halfway. Good passing wide and support inside had the centre scoring near the posts. The conversion was good again and the score moved to 27-14 on 51 minutes.
Leek needed to steady the ship and retain possession for a while and on 62 minutes it led to a try from Luke Hardern (see photo of touch down) after tough yards won from the scrum led to a penalty 10 metres from the C&N line. A quick penalty from Liam McDermott led to rucks near the line before Hardern forced his way over for Leek’s 5th try. Midwinter converted and Leek moved to 34-14.
Back came C&N and their backs were looking dangerous on 73 minutes and looked like they might score in the right corner but a fantastic tackle from the covering Will Midwinter led to a Leek penalty for holding on and then 5 minutes later the C&N wing was yellow carded for backchat as the game became scrappy.
Leek scored again right on full time after a lineout catch and drive. Great ball movement to the back of the maul saw Joel Booth crash over for Leek’s final try. Will Midwinter couldn’t find the final conversion, but the game ended with Leek emphatic winners by 39-14.

C&N provided a stern test for the Moorlanders but Leek’s squad was equal to it. The Cheshire side had won 7 of their last 8 league fixtures, so this was a great test of where both clubs are right now.
The loss kept C&N in 7th place with 41 points, but Leek (61 points) retained their narrow 1 point lead at the top over Walsall. (60 points).
3rd placed Longton (47 points) continued their quiet rise up the table with a 40-10 win against Camp Hill (5th, 42 points) who haven’t won in January.
Moseley Oak beat Uttoxeter 64-10 and the Birmingham side are now 4th with 46 points and a game in hand over Leek and 2 in hand over Walsall. Moseley remain the only side to have beaten the 2 Staffordshire sides at the top this season and the return fixtures will be eagerly anticipated.
Tamworth won a close Staffordshire derby at Newcastle by 27-36 and Stafford (6th, 41 points) won at Old Salts by 17-36.

Leek will finally get to play at Coopers Field this weekend for the 1st time after attempts previously were thwarted by Covid. It is the last rearranged fixture for Leek.
Stafford have won their last 3 league matches and so this fixture, on the all-weather pitch, will be well supported by both clubs, no doubt, and we urge all Leek supporters to travel to Stafford and urge the boys on.
Kick-off is at 2.15pm

The following Saturday, February 12th, sees Leek travel to Walsall and whatever the outcome at Stafford, it will be 1st v 2nd at Delves Road, for what is sure to be an intense atmosphere with both sides in top form.

February 19th sees Leek’s 3rd away trip in as many weeks as they make the short trip to Longton.

February 26th is now a fee weekend because the RFU has cancelled the Midlands Intermediate Cup competition in order for the league season to be completed successfully.

March 5th sees Moseley Oak visit Esterchem Park and no doubt, see everyone there.

This Sunday, February 6th , Leek Under 15s will play in the Staffordshire Plate final against Tamworth at Burton RFC. If you have the time, please go along to the fantastic new facility there and support our youngsters under the tutelage of coach Neil Edge.

If not there, then on the same day, February 6th, Staffordshire Under 20s host Buckinghamshire Under 20s at Stafford in the Jason Leonard Under 20s county Championship. Hopefully 2-4 Leek players will be in the squad for the 2nd encounter after a narrow loss against Warwickshire a week ago.

Finally, many thanks to match day sponsors Mounsey Chartered Surveyors of Stoke on Trent.

Author: John McDermott