By Andycap
September 23 2002

See on the message board “Volunteer needed for Match Review”. All my army training, finely honed on the battlefields of Germany (okay the NAAFI bar) said never volunteer but if “Fat Gazz” can do it then so can I, so here goes. Turned up for the game well prepared as usual, No pen or paper (thanks Mally for the flyer), I even mislaid my season ticket but once tasked with my mission I had to follow it through, no expense spared.

Expectations

Twelve months ago, we would have been extremely happy to draw with Sale Sharks but not these days, 3 wins from 3 against the European Champions, the Powergen Cup holders and of course “Quins” (less said the better), we expect to be “INVINCIBLE”

Good Start

Leeds had the better of the first 60 minutes, going in at half time 17-12 ahead, outscoring the Sharks by 2 tries to nil. Both Cammy Mather and Chris Murphy driving through ruck with BVS converting. However, we were giving Sharks too many kickable penalties which the consistent Charlie Hodgson punished, BVS seemingly having an off day, perhaps his cannon was misfiring.

The second half started for the Tykes where they left off and BVS converting a penalty (I don’t know what for as I was still queuing for a burger) Leeds 20 Sharks 12. Constant pressure by the Tykes made Sharks concede two more penalties which BVS converted to give Tykes a 14-point comfort zone. Sale then made 4 changes and after pressurizing the Tykes line were awarded a penalty from which Diego Albanese was yellow carded for some offence or other (I was too far away to see).

Sharks Take Advantage

Sharks then started to take advantage of the extra man and after moving the Tykes around the park scored near the post with a fine move finished off by Mark Cueto, Charlie Hodgson converting. Moments later with the Tykes being awarded a scrum on their own 22, the intervention of the touch judge for some indiscernible reason, play was brought back to the halfway from where Sharks were awarded a penalty?? A kick to the corner and from the resultant line out Hanley squeezed past the Tykes defence to touch down, Hodgson converted and the scores were level. Tykes 26 Sharks 26

Immediately from the restart Sharks piled forward and set up a platform for Hodgson to attempt a Drop Goal, from where I stood the ball missed the right hand upright but the referee awarded it anyway. Tykes 26 Sharks 29

Diego came back and the Tykes with a full compliment and precious little time laid siege to the Sharks Line. Several moves later with the Tykes 3 metres from the Sharks line the referee for some strange reason forgot the “Advantage” law and penalized the Sharks for handling in the ruck. (A Yellow Card Offence me thinks!!!). BVS converted to level the score and moments later the final whistle blew. Tykes 29 Sharks 29

Strange Game

A strange game which the Tykes whilst dominating for large periods didn’t actually play that well. The pack worked well but the backs let the Sharks slip through too many times. Also the pedantic refereeing and touch judge interventions did little to allow a flowing game.

P.S: Charlie Hodgson admitted in the bar that he thought the DG missed but his second penalty was good, do two wrongs make a right?

Any other views on the match? Then please post your comments on the MB!!