Wetherby travelled to Leodiensians looking for a first win at Crag Lane in recent memory in their first game of 2024. Historically Leos hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the red and whites over the years, but Wetherby were looking to get back on track following back to back losses before Christmas.

Ex-captain Danny Warden’s annual heist of half of the playing squad for a ski trip meant that Wetherby fielded a youthful looking side, but one filled with plenty of talent. Jonny Day returned from dog walking duties to partner up with Sam ‘Steve’ Little in the centres, whilst Will Blakey finally found himself playing at his preferred position of number 8.

Leos kicked off and the physicality of the game was set from the first minute, with both teams looking to show their mettle. After a scrappy first five minutes, Leos drew first blood by winning a penalty at the ruck just inside the Wetherby half. The evergreen Ed Farmer slotted the kick and gave the home side an early lead. 3-0.

Wetherby bounced back and looked dangerous when they managed to keep ball in hand - easier said than done in very muddy conditions! The back row of James Ward, Jake Little and Will Blakey were winning the physical contest and created space for the ball to be moved out wide. The ball came loose and was pounced on by try poacher extreme Charlie Yates. The Leos defenders forgot to play to the whistle as Yates went in untouched from half way for a perfectly legitimate try! Yates conversion. 3-7.

Despite not seeing huge amounts of the ball the visitors were on top of the physical contest but couldn’t get their attack going due to a misfiring line-out. Stand-in captain Steve Hoather was struggling to get his proverbial banjo in the same postcode as the bulls arse! A strong carry from George Chaffer down the wing however put the visitors in position for a penalty in Leos territory, and again Yates added the extras. 3-10.

Shortly before half-time Leos had their main attack of the first half, feeding off some Wetherby ill-discipline to find territory in the Wetherby 22. After a beat line-out move it took a fine tackle into touch from Lego Masters Snaith champion Bradley Mason to stop the move. The nature of the tackle saw tempers flare, and a melee break out. When the handbags were all firmly placed back on shoulders, the referee sent off the two instigators - Mason for Wetherby, and scrum half Will Watkinson for Leos.

Half time: Leodiensians 3-10 Wetherby

Leos started the second half much the brighter of the two sides, and without their scrum half to set the tempo for their backs, they came for Wetherby up front. More ill discipline from the away defence put Leos in good position, camped on the Wetherby line. Despite five minutes of solid defence from the red and whites, the dam finally burst as Leos crashed over out wide through their impressive second row Tom Piggot. 8-10.

Leos had their tails up and again used their lineout maul as their main attacking weapon. Another attempt close to the wetherby line was scuppered not by the powerful second rows Jim Greenwood and Henry Acland, who both had outstanding games, but instead by the wily scrum half Barney Youlden. This momentum shifter proved critical as Wetherby moved possession into the Leos half before gaining a penalty for an infringement at the ruck. A fine strike from half way by Yates extended the Wetherby lead. 8-13.

The energy started to feel different. Harry Kaye was growing into the game at fly-half and pulling the strings. Josh Draper and the returning Sam Arundel were covering every blade of grass and suddenly Wetherby were looking dangerous again. A smart chip through was collected by Sam Little, who still had plenty of work to do. He cut inside the fullback before putting on the burners to score a beauty of a try in the corner. Yates converted well from the touchline. 8-20.

The Wetherby tails were well and truly up. Mo Beeson was taking on his opposite number well out on the flanks, and through the middle Bryn Kitching and Evan Woodworth were finding good yards with their hard carries. Will Blakey made a turnover for every yellow card he’s got this season (a lot!) and the visitors were really looking to press for another try. Unfortunately in the Somme-like conditions, the referee stumbled over an unexploded WW2 bomb and brought the game to a halt with an ankle injury.

The rest of the game fizzled out, but Wetherby were very good value for their win.

Full time: Leodiensians 8-20 Wetherby