Yorkshire Carnegie
How to tame a dragon.?
By Leemingtyke
January 22 2014
The business end of the regular season gets underway with a trip into previously uncharted rugby territory as the lads take on London Welsh at the Kassam Stadium, a ground which the geographically astute amongst you will have no doubt noticed is in neither London nor Wales but instead is nestled serenely amongst the dreaming spires of Oxford. To quote the great Welsh linguist Nessa Jenkins “Truth be told” it’s actually part of a modern leisure complex located just off the A4142 on the Oxford ring road but, to be honest, I’m not one to let the truth get in the way of a barely passable opening paragraph and secondly, it will still be a nice location in which to witness a game of rugby and I’m disappointed that I won’t be making the trip myself....
I’m told that Oxford is also home to one of the finest learning establishments in the land, a fact which is particularly apt as, at Headingley in early November, Welsh delivered a master class in the art of winning a rugby match by the use of brains as much as brawn. Powerful, direct running coupled with some excellent offloading saw Welsh leading 12-3 with half time approaching. Then, led by an inspired Ryan Burrows, Leeds put on put on an exhibition of what can only be described as ‘total rugby’. The Exiles were left reeling as Leeds tore into their defence with such ferocious intent that, just 20 minutes of playing time later, the scoreline read 24-12 to the green, black and white hoops. That should have been that – but it wasn’t. Welsh went back to the drawing board, dug in and battled hard to win some possession. That done they ditched their running game, instead choosing to work through the phases to gain field position and, when Leeds inevitably transgressed, they took the points on offer. They either kicked or ran in a total of 19 unanswered points to record a well deserved 24-31 victory. It was an impressive display of confident, intelligent rugby ruthlessly delivered by a very good London Welsh side. For us it was a clear indication that there was still work to be done. Whilst we were undoubtedly talented enough to mix it with the big boys we were not yet smart enough to realise when a team has us figured out and switch to Plan B.
That game was part of what turned out to be a 10 match Welsh winning streak stretching back to the beginning of the season and it looked like they might run away with the league. Then, in late November, Bedford beat them at Goldington Road and, in their next league outing, fellow exiles London Scottish repeated the trick, this time at the Kassam. Having been hauled in by the chasing pack they steadied the ship and reclaimed top spot courtesy of a successful trip to the Channel Islands prior to the B&I break. Meanwhile back at Headingley, and further afield, we’ve been winning the majority of our games. The feel-good factor has been tempered slightly by a recent spate of injuries. Buzz, so influential in our last meeting, will again be missing along with Two Sacks, Stevie and Callum Green. Add those to Scott Freer, who has been missing all season, and you have five players whose presence would be missed by any team but, it’s a squad game and our recent signings have given us added strength in depth.
The B&I games gave Jimmy the chance to cast his eye over the new recruits and his selection for Saturday should reveal which option he likes the best. So, it’s all set up nicely and should be a cracker. Our cup victories against Gala and Bristol were matched by Welsh who limbered up by beating Pontypridd and then recovering from an 18-8 half time deficit to beat the Cockney Jocks 21-18. With winter finally looking like it might make an appearance will we stick to our preferred option of throwing the ball around and attacking from anywhere? Given their success in the final third of the last match, will Welsh set their stall out to stop us? If they do, have we developed the ability to adapt and overcome against a side as accomplished as London Welsh? This is one of the games of the season for me and, as I said before, I’m gutted not to be going.
The match itself is too close to call and the only prediction I’m going to make is that this will not be the last time these two teams meet this season as I feel we are both destined for the play offs – possibly the final?? If you’re lucky enough to be going, I hear Brakspears Oxford Gold is worth a tipple. Unfortunately, I’m also told it’s rarer than a monogamous French president. Enjoy the game (and the beer)! Come on Leeds!
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22/01/2014 17:48
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:02:02:19:29:35 by Gelbel.
I think we'll get a loosing BP but I'd love to be eating my lemonhead hat!
See those of you who can make it there.
We will do our level best to make you welcome, which you most certainly are. And as your Leemingtyke has said it should/could be a CRACKER. 50/50 this could/will go either way. Have a safe journey everyone, see you all on Sunday. PADDYTAF.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:01:23:14:20:24 by paddytaf.
On a positive note, I did hear last week, that one of the 5 you mention above may well be in the squad this Sunday.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
If you want a stopping off point for a few beers in oxford see if you can get the coach driver to pop into Oxford city centre and visit The Royal Blenheim. a big selection of real beers, food and they only show rugby on the TV, No Football!
He can stop on st.aldates and then it's a 1 minute walk to the pub.
[royalblenheim.co.uk]
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:01:23:14:22:52 by paddytaf.
You're all very welcome, great preview.
I had an enjoyable tour at Brize a few years back but for some reason never made it to the Royal Blenheim (I don't think!).
Even more annoyed that I'm not going now.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:01:23:21:24:35 by leemingtyke.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Quote:Haxbytyke
Sounds as if we must try to sweet talk the bus monitor into co-ercing the coach driver to go via the Royal Blenheim. See you on Sunday.
If I had all the money I've spent on drink ..... I'd spend it on drink.
Likewise, I will not be able to attend. I hope the journey and weather is kind to those travelling down to Oxford. More to the point I hope that their support helps to bring back a result. It's going to be close, with Leeds to sneak it, fingers crossed.
Quote:oopnorth
Great review. Last year at this time we really started motoring. One difference this year is our increased capability at 10 in terms of game management and gaining territory from the boot. Come on Leeds.
Good point Oop. We know we can score against the Exiles - we just need to boss the game for 80 minutes.
Quote:leemingtyke
COME ON
LEEDS
(Inspired by Paddytaf)
please don't encourage him
Shame not to manage a LBP, review what happened, learn from it and move on.
Think also that the pitch was narrow and like you that a dry ball will suit us rather than them come the play offs.
