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Leeds Tykes vs. London Irish,  Headingley, Friday 6^th February

Leeds were the surprise team of last season. Promoted in 2001 they then finished last in their first ZP campaign. Saved from relegation by the powers that be who thought Rotherham ‘unsuitable’ for promotion they were then tipped by most for relegation at the start of the 2002/3 season. They went on to defy their critics, finishing 5^th and earning a coveted Heineken Cup place. This season has not been as successful. Currently they are 11^th in the table. Given Rotherham’s struggles in the premiership they can perhaps consider themselves fortunate not to be worrying about relegation as we were for much of last year. Earlier this season, in October, we played Leeds at the Madejski running out 31-16 victors.

Our start to the season was very bright indeed. Recent London Irish performances, however, have been disappointing. In the ZP a narrow victory over Rotherham before Christmas was followed by home defeats against Wasps and Northampton either side of the New Year. The later defeat was particularly painful. Our subsequent European games, a narrow victory at home to Narbonne followed by a substantial defeat away to them, were particularly disappointing. All the more so because we lost the chance to play our first ever competitive games against an Irish province. 

Two areas in particular are giving cause for concern. Our defence, which had looked so solid earlier in the season, now looks porous. We seem again not to be using the pitch, relying on forward power to bring the ball up the middle of the park. Another area of worry is injuries, particularly in the back row. With a smaller squad this season, these appear now to be impacting team performance. Ironically, we may well look upon the enforced break, disappointing though it has been, (Not to mention being harder work for the site Ed’s) as ultimately being beneficial to the season.

Leeds Tykes supporters are one of the most welcoming groups in the premiership. Last season, for our match, they put on an Irish band in their clubhouse. Given that the game is on Friday evening, we cannot expect to have many of our travelling support there. From past reports the contingent who do make the trip are assured of a very warm welcome indeed.

This is a tough game to call. Whilst on we are currently well ahead of Leeds in the table we’ll need to step up a gear from recent performances if we are to win it. Here’s hoping the break will have done us good.