Leeds Carnegie fans do not have much to cheer about at the moment. Nine defeats on the bounce culminated in an absolutely dismal performance at Welford Road last weekend. This Saturday the team travels to Reading for another tough fixture against the high flying Exiles. Another beating? Probably. However strange things have been known to happen at the Madejski Stadium....
The Leeds management team raised all our expectations in the close season with some quality signings and declared target of a top six place at the end of the season. Whilst there is still a chance that the squad can turn things around and achieve that goal it is looking quite bleak at the moment and the faint-hearted are already weeping/wailing/looking forward to trips to Roth.
Some of the performances this time around have been naïve and have cost us valuable points. If last weekend’s game at Welford Road was just a glitch then we can look forward to a close contest at Reading. If it was, in fact, a portent of things to come then the team will get another pasting at the hands of the Exiles and the mb will be awash with tears (again).
Last season Back & Key were limited, early season, as to who they could call on to play. This was deemed to be one of the reasons for the poor start. This time around we seem to be suffering from lots of injuries. Is this a result of the poor pre-season preparations? We also used the excuse of “acclimatisation” last year. Exeter Chiefs anyone?
So what of Saturday’s team? One question we have been pondering is the absence of Alonso after such a promising debut against Bath. After the pack got shunted by the Tiggers we really need to find our best front-five very quickly. We also need to sort out a settled back row. Hendre is a shoe-in but for me Browne flatters to deceive at no.8. Alfie, when fit must start at blind side. Mathie has been disappointing so far. The 10 shirt is up for grabs. Will Mackay ever be fit? What is the best centre combination? I do not have the answers. More worryingly neither do Back & Key.
Saturday’s tactics have to go back to basics and play to our strengths. Keep it simple, keep it tight. Retain possession and make the first tackles. Sounds simple doesn’t it. Whoever gets selected has to justify that selection. We know how to defend – lord knows we got enough practice last season. No mistakes please, and, if you get the chance to score –take it. Simples.
I do not think for one moment that Neil Back will quote Shakespeare in his dressing room pre-match talk but the same sentiments need to be gotten across to the players so that they start the game in the right mindset. C’mon Leeds.
I think TT you have hit it right on the nail. With the new signings, the expectant words comming out from HC we expected much more than we have had.
As I have posted on another thread I was at Welford Road with Tiger friends and was embarrased at the way the team tackled and played.
A few more games like this and I will go back to my old club Moseley
I do hope the players and management read some of these posts. They know they are going to get paid for the rest of their contract no matter how badly they play. Wish we could pay them on a game by game and performance bonus.
A few would be owing the club money
breach (brch)
n.
1. a. An opening, a tear, or a rupture.
b. A gap or rift, especially in or as if in a solid structure such as a dike or fortification.
2. A violation or infraction, as of a law, a legal obligation, or a promise.
3. A breaking up or disruption of friendly relations; an estrangement.
4. A leap of a whale from the water.
5. The breaking of waves or surf
breech (brch)
n.
1. The lower rear portion of the human trunk; the buttocks.
2.
a. A breech presentation or delivery.
b. A fetus in breech presentation.
Internet is a wonderful tool.
"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)
Well I would be happy with an encouraging loss, but I have been out in the rain all day so I dont know what I am talking about..... We just need some glimmer that things are improving, a try, better scrum, or some encouraging back play.
I just have no idea. Hoping for greatness but, in truth, expecting another slightly disappointing afternoon. Just hope the lads give a good account of themselves
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