Blue Brothers Visit Town
By Zandra La Poi
January 30 2014
So, this weekend we welcome the visit of the Bedford Blues. For the last few seasons, The Blues have been one of the most consistent teams in the Championship, they built team of grafters who played for each other and there was a noticeable lack of egos down at Goldington Road. At the end of last season however they lost a few players, and have so far struggled this campaign.
A close encounter back in September on the slopey pitch of GR ended in a Carnegie win by one point, a great result for us and the band of travelling Lemonheads. Bedford now find themselves 7th in the league, 16 points off 4th place. They have won three out of their last four league games, their only defeat to a very in form Roth team, include in their wins was a good home win against this season's surprise package London Scottish. Interestingly from a Leeds point of view, James Pritchard is still the main Blues' 10, ousting new summer signing Michael Le Bourgeois. Le Bourgeois, Nathan Hannay's old team mate, was courted by Leeds but eventually signed for the Blues, and although he has featured, hasn't ousted Pritchard, who is also their top try scorer at the moment with 4. Blues have a long injury list and have been relying on a number of dual registered Sarries players. However, their talisman, second row Paul Tupai returns from a three week ban to boost their numbers this week.
So what about us this week? Last Sunday's defeat in Oxford was disappointing, however, I'll say this now, Welsh were not that much better than us, in fact to be honest, we probably gifted them the game. If Doc is not injured then he needs to return to the wing. RV has not found his 15 man game legs yet (think they might still be in Dubai or any of the plethora of exotic locations he played in), so maybe a stint on the bench for him. Although Griffo had a bit of a mare last weekend, he's been one of the success stories this season so should keep his place, he'll want more than most to put right the wrongs. Baby Doc did well also, so should keep his place. Not sure if young Lozzer is available yet, he was taking time off to do his exams, however was due back at the end of the month. Young Yosser is doing ok, he did miss a pen on Sunday and also missed touch, however the wind was swirling so he can be forgiven.
As for the forwards, barring any injuries, I would keep the front row the same as the one that started on Sunday. As for the second row, if first choices are not available then maybe J-Lo might need to reshuffle his pack. Also, Buzz played well last week and will only improve as he finds his match fitness.
Bedford are having a tough time this season, however, we can't rest on our laurels. If we let them bully us, like we let London Welsh bully us, we will lose. We are now on the same points as Bris, but they have a game in hand. We need to keep in the top four and try and maintain daylight between us and the fifth placed club. That means taking our chances.
The weather played a part last week. This week, sunshine is on the cards (according to my weather App on my iPhone anyway), so let's hope the rugby is as bright. I predict a hard fought tussle; however we will come out on top with a BP win as we find our winning ways again.
I wish all those travelling from Bedford a safe journey up and an enjoyable day out at Headingley. See you all there.
Marching on Together!
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:02:06:10:08:23 by Gelbel.
So a Leeds win - and if it's not squeaky bum it'll be a romp - nowt in the middle.
Am expecting (or rather 'hoping') that we deliver a class performance and that we take both a reassuring and necessary 5 points...and in the process...showing all the skill, nous,patience and territorial dominance of a would-be Premiership outfit.
We need to blow away the after-taste of LW....and see a message of intent for the next 9 games!!We live in hope..
Come On Ye Tykes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Without 2sacks, Calum and Stevie, I can't see us as favourites, but it's become a bit of a 'must-win' game.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:01:31:23:15:36 by ellishicks.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
If I had all the money I've spent on drink ..... I'd spend it on drink.
Quote:Albert Fishwick
still scarf weather, I reckon.
....a green, white and black one of course, and a yellow beany.
Looking good rugby-playing weather to me, but the north standers might need sunvisors.
Unfortunately for Bedford - no sign of ice!