Leeds Tykes v London Irish - Match Preview
Terriers or Tykes?
By Billy Hamilton
September 4 2002
Last Friday I mentally mapped out what I might say this week but by teatime on Sunday it was back to the drawing board. I could not even seek Divine inspiration, as the word "applecart" does not appear in the Bible.
Sunday 8th September 2002, 2.30 P.M. Headingly, Leeds
If the teams had played to the scripts last weekend Leicester would be on its way to a fifth consecutive title, we would have four or five points and Bath and Leeds would be propping up the table. However, as we all know, things did not exactly work out that way.
With a long injury list Leicester did not field its best side so it might be a bit premature starting to write the obituary. The only fact that is certain after last Saturday’s game is that the Tigers will not have to turn their jerseys inside-out this season. Leicester can wait until November our concern this week is a resurgent Leeds Tykes.
Some of their play last week was reminiscent of London Irish last season. Their ball recycling was superb, their back three magnificent and their kicking punished Leicester’s indiscretions. The whole team played with a new sense of purpose even Isaac Feaunati, one of our rejects, looked like a player with a new lease of life.
Meanwhile on the following day at Reading the Exiles played in a lack-lustre game against another team with something to prove. I will not recycle all the reports of this game; suffice to say that if the Irish do not step up a gear they will be facing a second consecutive defeat. Bath’s performance last week was not a patch on that of Leeds. Bath was unable to fully capitalise on our errors but we will not go unpunished this week.
So what is my verdict for this week? It is perhaps to close to call as I think that we will be able to lift our game this week. I forecast a cracking game from two sides playing a similar style of rugby.
Summary Of Meetings Between The Teams In The Premiership
Played 2
Leeds Tykes Won 0 0%
London Irish Won 2 100.0%
Drawn 0 0%
London Irish biggest win 42 - 14 on 09 Sep 2001
Leeds Tykes top try scorer vs London Irish Dan Scarbrough 2 tries
Leeds Tykes top points scorer vs London Irish Dan Scarbrough 10 points
London Irish top try scorer vs Leeds Tykes Brendan Venter 1 tries
London Irish top points scorer vs Leeds Tykes Barry Everitt 46 points
Previous Meetings
31 Mar 2002 Leeds Tykes vs London Irish 24 - 29 Headingley
09 Sep 2001 Leeds Tykes vs London Irish 14 - 42 Madejski Stadium