The sun ain't gonna shine anymore

The sun shone as Jacob led the re-organised Carnegie side out at Headingley today. For the first time that I can remember we had three tens in the starting lineup. "This should be interesting" I though and so it proved to be...

We started out with good intent. The ball was moved around quickly. After about 3 minutes Bentley attempted a grubber kick - it hit an Albion player and looped into the welcoming arms  of Chris Walker for the first score. From the kick off we regained possession. Buzz got the ball in our half, strode through an attempted tackle and off-loaded to Lozzer who zipped home. Hughes kicked the second of five conversions and we were 14-0 up after 6 minutes.

Albion had a couple of good attacks which broke down due to unforced errors. We seemed very relaxed, off loading in the tackle and generally not making mistakes. Beck looked at home at lock, making several good breaks and looking solid in the lineout, Jacob was busy around the park and Walker looked comfortable. in the 7 shirt. I say this knowing what was to come but I think we are a better team when Chris is at 7. Th pack were not quite solid when it was our put in to the scrums but they looked awesome when the driving maul got going. Twice before the break they rumbled towardsthe line and twice Chris Walker scored.

At 28-0 we had not really broken sweat and I think, with all the injury problems we have it was reasonable to expect the boys to ease off the throttle in the second half. That said Buzz bashed his way through for a try and Hughes, playing well at fullback, bounced off a tackle to cross in the corner.

Plymouth never gave up and deserved their two tries. When Jack Walker came on and slipped effortlessly into the backrow I found it hard to believe he is still at school and was playing out of position! If the Walker brothers are the future then bring it on.

I had a look at The Plymouth fullback, Elder, who is leaving Brickfields this summer - a big lad who could do a job for us - no doubt Chris Gibson had a good look at him as well.

Chris Walker was undoubtedly man of the match. Bentley got better as the game went on. Hughes looked at home at 15 & it was nice to see Georgiou back from Wharfedale having a solid game on the wing.

We are in the play-offs now with a tough game next week at Abbeydale. However today's performance left me with a warm feeling & whatever happens we have a squad who enjoy playing and I enjoy watching them.