Stuart Lancaster took on that particular role and began his recruitment for the coming season.  Gradually new signings were made, fresh faces were promoted from the academy, and eventually a new squad was assembled ready to face all the challenges and tribulations that Division One would offer.  The Bristol and Harlequins fans told us it will be fun – but they would, wouldn’t they? 

The Curtain Rises

And so it began.  I think most fans approached the season realistically – we aren’t the type to be arrogant, we know we haven’t any divine right to win the league, and given the unproven nature of the team most of us doubtless expected some very tough games. There was genuine worry.  With luck we’d be in the frame come the end of the season. There would be defeats along the way, some of these first division clubs were strong and would be challenging for the title.  But surely London Welsh were not one of them…

Tykes 10 – 16 London Welsh

Starting at home with an ‘easier’ match seemed like a boon.  A first chance for most to see the new players (and new Carnegie Stand in all it’s glory), an almost celebratory mood during the build up as old acquaintances met up after the summer lull, a new dawn!  Then things turned bad.  London Welsh provided a real wake-up call, playing hard, passionate rugby and refusing to roll over and die like good little lambs.  Leeds probably played better, but couldn’t break Welsh’s spirit.  The day belonged to the opposition, and the new dawn looked decidedly old hat come the end of the day.

Newbury 10 – 24 Tykes

I wasn’t there, so what can I say?  We won.  Apparently quite comfortably in the end, but not before a determined fight back by Newbury, and yellow cards for Lock and Tuilagi.  The game also saw Lee Blackett break his leg, adding to an already irritating injury list.  But at least the Tykes had a victory under the belts now.

Pertemp Bees 20 – 23 Tykes

Again, I wasn’t there, but I did have a steady flow of updates from somebody at the ground.  From these I gleaned things were continuing to improve.  The injury situation seemed to have deteriorated further, Stuart Hooper the latest victim.  Mark Lock took over the captaincy, and Leeds built a narrow lead by half time.  They opened this wider in the second half, but a 79^th minute try for the Bees resulted in a nervy final few minutes.  The boys hung on, and the Tykes were picking up steam.

Tykes 21 – 20 Cornish Pirates

The Pirates are one of the teams expected to challenge for honours this season.  So this Saturday evening game was a big one.  And boy was it a good one too!  The match ebbed and flowed, the lead changed hands throughout, both sides had a try disallowed, and neither team built up a lead of more than one converted try.  With three minutes to go the Tykes were trailing and looking at a second home defeat, but they were pressurising the Pirates’ line and finally Hepworth broke it to score.  Hinton added the pressure kick and Tykes took the lead by one.  A last gasp drop goal effort from pirates’ Di Bernardo missed, and the victory was assured.  There was a palpable sigh of relief from the home crowd.

Nottingham 30 – 37 Tykes

Nice ground at Nottingham (Notts County’s ground), and nice staff – they opened the bar for us as we arrived about three hours early…  Leeds once more played an open and exciting brand of rugby, and once again the opposition fought with pride and spirit.  Nottingham’s game plan is quite simple – bulldoze the opposition.  I’m sure they had some backs on the pitch; I just don’t recall them getting the ball much.  Simple it may be, but it was also highly effective.  The home team scored three tries through forward power, but this wasn’t quite enough to overcome their visitors who at last scored four tries for the bonus point.  More injuries marred the occasion though – Biggs failed to even make the team and Chris Jones, just returned to action after a long spell out, badly dislocated his shoulder.  However, a new wing-sensation was discovered in the unlikely form of Jon Dunbar… or maybe not.

Tykes 35 – 20 Sedgley Park

Back to Headingley Carnegie for the visit of Sedgley.  Despite their lowly league position, people before the game seemed edgy.  The London Welsh result was still fresh in the mind, and we weren’t going to take anyone for granted now.  Injuries by now had just about depleted the Tykes of able-bodied centres.  Fortunate then that Ian Humphreys had been signed on a short term loan from Leicester.  This allowed Hepworth to move to centre (where he proved to be highly effective), and Richard Vasey got a chance to start in the No.10 shirt.  Sedgley came out all guns blazing and within twenty minutes had a try and penalty to lead 10 – 0.  Leeds hit back, but points were traded to leave the scores level at halftime, 17 apiece.  In the second half, the Tigers seemed to run out of steam, and the Tykes opened up a lead.  But the fourth try just wouldn’t come and it looked like it was going to be a win, but a frustrating one.  Step forward Mr Humphreys.  Brought on at half time, he’d already impressed with his play and an audacious (if unsuccessful) penalty attempt from 55m.  But with the last play of the match, Sedgley threw a wild pass which Humphreys gleefully intercepted and ran 65m back for the elusive bonus point, and the adoration of the Tykes faithful.

Early days, but looking better

Well, things got off to a rocky start, but the results have come since then.  The performances have also improved, but there's still a bit to go if the challenge is to be maintained.  Maybe, just maybe, the defeat on that opening day has actually helped?  Not that I realised it in the pub after the game - the world seemed a dark and numbing place at that point.  Time will tell...

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