Nottingham 12 Leeds Carnegie 19

As we arrived at Headingley on a cold and frosty morning,warmed by the result of the Exeter 12-12 draw with Esher. We had expected a coach to be waiting, instead as our small group grew larger we began to think the walking bus was the transport of the day. Around 20 minutes later the coach turned up and we were on our merry way.

 As we got to the outskirts of Nottingham the driver had another little surprise for us, did anyone know the way to the ground? (Aren't these drivers supposed to know where they are going?) So off we went on our magical mystery tour or Nottingham. Then in the distance the sight of Nottingham Forest and then our destination Notts County.

Once off the coach a little light refreshment was called for, so a small group of 10 headed off to the nearest pub. It was here that DownTheLine began to get a little panicky about his feeding times, hesitating at the burger stand he was assured food was available in the pub. Once in the pub we met up with more of our own, Dragon who had been stood quietly in the corner came to life as he reconised the group of faces coming in. After a couple of drinks it was time to head to the ground to soak up the pre match atmosphere. In the stand with the help of Haxby we got all the travlling support all grouped toghether.(Sky Sports filming, so we may get a showing.)

Anyway let's get to the point,the match report.

Nottingham kick off and Leeds seem unable to collect the ball, and are put under immediate pressure. Our defence held strong, and with a couple of early penalties which did'nt lead to points for either team. But it did get us into a great position to attack. We even made it over the try line, but was held up. Yet another scrum this time we went wide and going back until Hendre got the ball, and with his drive through the defence unfortunately the pass went forward. Following the Notts scrum and sloppy defence by Leeds we found ourselves under pressure and drove for the line and were again held up. Nottingham go again only this time great counter rucking led to Leeds getting the ball. After a few phases of play Leeds finaly get chance of points, after 22 minutes Strange slots the penalty 0-3. At the restart following the scrum the Leeds pack put on a great push that led us to coming up with the ball, after a great break thrugh we gained a penalty and again Strange slotted - 0-6 after 25 minutes.

Nottingham again have good play but crossing on our 22 lead to a penalty, Notts fans none too pleased. The following lineout on Nottingham 10 metre line leads to a breakthrough for Hepworth to score a try which came from a forward pass which was missed by Mr Fox, Strange converted 0-16. After numerous passages of play the home crowd had something to cheer about. When after continous pressure a try was scored in the corner the conversion was missed 5-16 at half time.

The second half was a game of Leeds' excellent defence, and defend they did as Nottingham camped out in the Leeds 22 for most of the second half. Mr Fox insisted on keeping the game going until Nottingham found space in Leeds defence out wide, to then go under the post we believe this was a result of a knock on, the conversion added on 86 minutes.A well deserved losing bonus point for Nottingham and a hard fought win for Leeds. The lads came away a bit bruised and battered but nothing too serious.

My man of the match award has to go to Hendre,he carried everything.