Sheffield Oaks v Leeds University 14 - 13 (WIN!!)
After a lot of ‘we almost won that time’ and ‘its coming lads!’ (No pun intended) Sheffield Oaks finally won their first league game against Leeds University in over a year and man did it feel good! Oaks started the game as we intended; high tempo with the forwards particularly; Uncle Poggles, Wardak and Tim making the most of their manly physiques and taking a lot of crash ball. Clear that Leeds did not enjoy the likes of poggles running at them Leeds began to give ground. With the likes of Paul, Luke, George and Bob making deep runs the oaks machine kept going forward, this led to the oaks first try by the only French Man I know not to own a white flag; Anael Brunet charged through the Leeds defence after quick ball from the backs to touch down under the posts, which was converted by the safe boot of Aaron Brown. The first half continued how we planned with Bob and George ‘the Dentist’ Warmisham winning line-outs and stealing many of Leeds line outs. The Forwards also produced a solid scrum which enabled Simon ‘the tank’ Buckley to pick and go many times and Wardy to be the annoying little s**t he is and pounce on their 9 and 8 restricting the quick hands they wanted so badly. Oaks second try came from the Captain of the day Luke Wheldon, although he is a flanker by trade fancied his chances on the wing, oaks again produced quick Ball to find our ‘winger’ who took the Ball at pace and with only a winger in his way had visions of Jona Lomu and slowed down just so he could knock the winger on his arse, which he did! and again put the ball under the sticks, once again Brown converted. Leeds uni’s only response of the first half was a penalty to finish the half 14-3.
The game very much became a story of 2 half’s and by our own admit ion we allowed Leeds back into the game. Leeds first try however came through broken play and it was obvious their backs had serious gas and good fitness, this allowed them to touch down in the corner, which luckily wasn’t converted. However solid defence and some class breaks from Full-back Chris, centre Worsley winger Jonny and Scrum Half Wardy ensured we kept the damage low. Tactical kicking by brown and one kick by the athletic flanker Bob enabled us to keep the wolves from the door until the 76th minute where again through broken play Leeds touched down in the corner, which left the scores at 14-13, having the wind with him and not too much of a difficult angle Sheffield Oaks had their hearts in their mouths, the conversion was missed (thank F**k) Leeds came straight back at us from the kick off and through brilliant defence work by replacement winger Stu we stopped their charge followed swiftly by the full time whistle!
As I was busy jumping on Brown at the time I didn’t see other peoples reactions but I think we can all imagine! Sweet relief! Well Done lads one of many to come this season!
M.O.M- the Captain of the day Luke Wheldon for his inspirational leadership and quality try.
D.O.D- Quite controversial as it was Damo, however we were informed he wasn’t their hmm strange, so the reserve D.O.D goes to Stu for wearing Teflon gloves!
Quote of the Day- Paul, even though he put some huge hits in all day and was all over the park he still couldn’t believe that someone managed to up-end him. All I can say is welcome to my world!
