By Leedsexile on 01/12/2003
December 1 2003

In a game that really did struggle to get going and indeed, excite the 7,000+ crowd, there were a number of positives that the Tykes could take away with them and look to build on as they embark on their Heineken Cup exploits.

It is fair to say that the Tykes shaded the game and deserved a victory, as it was they that played the better rugby and adapted to the conditions better. Ross's kicking game was good, Snyman and Davies formed an excellent centre partnership and the scrum looked pretty good in places. The line out struggled - Holts throwing was, in my opinion, not up to standard - maybe I am being harsh as it was inclement weather - (he did seem to live up to our other hookers early career nickname - Lightning¹), but it was good to see Ronnie on for the second half. Diego looked good in broken play although his kicking was weak, Rees picked some good lines to run and had one of his better games.

It was also my first sighting of Clive Stewart Smith too, he went off to the blood bin and was replaced by Walker - both looked pretty assured and I felt comfortabel with either of them in there.

There was just one try, a great fly half break by Ross from the base of a scrum on the Quins 22 midway (or we assumed it would be midway with it being 20 minutes in - more of that to come) through the second half. The scrum came about following a towering up and under by Ross that was gathered a yard or so outside the Quins 22 by the full back - Duffy. Rees followed the kick in and knocked Duffy into the middle of next week, Duffy knocked on and Leeds stole the advantage.

What was excellent to see was that when Rees made the hit, the whole Leeds bench rose and applauded. THe results may not have been going for us, but the spirit is there for all to see.

The first half was pretty scrappy, both teams made some good breaks, Diprose was dangerous for Quins, whilst Shelly made the break of the first half for the Tykes. Both sides struggled at the break down however and could not secure the ball, ofter tackles resulted in knock ons or turn overs. Shelley's break did set up a great chance for Scarbrough in the furthest possible corner from me, but it seemed he got forced into touch or knocked on. The teams went in with Quins up by 6 - 3. Ross equalising an early Dunne penalty beofre Dunne put Quins infront again immediatley afterwards.

Half time came and went, Greenwood and Woodward were paraded, swing low was sung and beers were supped

Back into my seat just intime to see Ross slot a 45 yard penalty over to bring parity to the score board. 6-6 and half an hour to play. Ross scored his try and then Quins attacked, World cup heroes Jason Leonard and Ronnie Regan came on to to standing ovations and we feared the worse. Quins to be fair stepped it up a gear and did throw the ball around, but credit must go to the Tykes defence. The effort was superb by the boys, Synman and Davies in particular were outstanding, but also credit the pack and in particular Persico. I have critisied the pack this season, but their colective efforts in repelling Quins at the death was to be applauded.

With the Quins score board showing 53 minutes and the Tykes up by 13-6 for the second game against Quins, we still played on, Quins awarded penalty after penatly, the fans around me screaming for a penalty try. Eventually Persico hit Sanderson(?) and turned the ball over, Ross retrieved and kicked for touch. The referee blew and we'd done it. 4 more points in the bag.

My man of the match: Aaron Persico

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¹Never strikes the same place twice

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