Leos assembled on Ladies Day to take on Old Mods. Mods bravely travelled with 8 players so some evening up was done and a 13 ish a side game began in balmy weather.

With 6 forwards and no back row support was lacking and turnovers plentiful.

Mods put up some stiff resistance and some of the older heads in the Leos side could see where this could head unless the intensity, effort and commitment of the home side rapidly improved.

With a back line containing Harry, once he had tried on 3 shirts to find a non skintight version ! too many Florida breakfasts methinks ! Jake and Tim Martin, Leos had pace to burn, and it became clear that any time either of these 3 were given quick ball in space tries would result.

Farmer Jim, Billy, Matt Milner and Kenroy played for Mods and all played well. Farmer took on 9 duties and the kicking and by and large he made a pretty good fist of it too. Kenroy is simply horrible to try and stop if you let him gain any momentum. He tore into his mates and made break after break.

For Leos Harry ran the game getting good service from the rapidly improving Jonny G at 9. Harry has a huge left boot and one kick went from inside one 22 to deep into the oppo 22. Jonny enjoyed the open spaces and scored a lovely solo try, breaking away up the blindside showing great awareness and pace.

Harry put Jake and Tim M in space and both scored tries showing the full repertoire of their evasive skills. Carl also scored a long range try and Leos were at times playing some attractive rugby.

Mods were never downhearted and they fought for every inch. Water was taken on regularly and Rob Staines reffed the game with empathy and no little skill, as befits his experience and understanding.

At half time everyone had an opinion until it was pointed out that Neil was the Captain and we should listen to him first. Neil spoke well and clearly about what we needed to do and he was backed up by the nous of Scotty who made a couple of salient points too.

The second half was similar to the first, as people tired in the heat even more space opened up and the festival of running rugby went on apace. Harry put in a couple of huge hits in defence and then scored a break away try bursting through the defence showing great strength to get free, and then good speed to make the try line.

Kenroy scored for Mods busting tackles from about 10 yards out. By now Kinger was also on for Mods and he put himself about too. Mods bagged a couple of other well deserved tries in between several Leos scores.

There was one delicious moment when age and experience trounced youthful ability. As Matt Milner was barely bound on to the back of a rolling maul one of the older Leos backs politely asked the ref if the ball was out. It was and said back came tearing in from his post and smashed Mr Milner clean off the back of the maul and into touch !

“What the #### ! “ rang out to the amusement of all, later Jake chipped in with

“ It must have felt like it all suddenly went dark ! “

The game was played in the good spirits you would expect between Leos and Mods and we are very grateful that they were prepared to travel with 8 players.

The final score was something like Leos 65- Mods 17. But that was not the lasting memory of the day.

To see Leos full afterwards with a good win for the 1s over local rivals West Park, it almost felt like we were a rugby club in the fine old tradition once more.

Next season we need more players boys at all levels, so get on to your mates and get them down to Leos come the new term.