Rival fans, scoffed at the idea that Leeds would be anything other than cannon fodder for the GP, but after a hesitant start, and a thrashing from London Irish at Headingley, the season slowly took a turn for the better, and when Leeds were victorious on their visit to London Irish, ‘mission impossible’ started to look like a reality.

Even before the season started, fans were questioning recruitment, and in fairness not too many new faces had been drawn to LS6. The ‘Visagate’ scandal didn’t help, but behind the scenes, blocks were being put in place to ensure that the players who did arrive were of the necessary quality to ensure our survival.

Captain Fantastic had already signed, and Gomersall, Fa’afili, Rabeni, and Alfie committed to the cause. Andy Titterell was persuaded to join the revolution, and Leeds was now in a position to field a team who could compete at the top table.

Leeds had started the season slowly, but a  last minute Ceiron Thomas drop goal ensured a losing bonus point return from unbeaten leaders Saracens, and but for a wrong call from the referee, that could have been so much more. However the platform was put in place, and a week later, in front of the television cameras, Leeds earned a thoroughly deserved win when they visited London Wasps. The next few games were a mixture of narrow defeats, and some heavier ones, but the feeling was there, that if Leeds could compete for 80 minutes, things might just turn their way. Come Christmas, and Leeds were still bottom of the heap, but a nerve wracking Boxing Day victory at Newcastle renewed hope, although a narrow home defeat to Bath a few days later was to put a dent into our aspirations.

Fortunately, Worcester, Sale, and Newcastle were struggling to put a run of victories together, and providing Leeds could hang on to their shirt tails, there was a chance of safety.

That chance started turning to reality in February; when Leeds visited Sale, and recorded their first ever win over their illustrious opponents. Successive home wins over Wasps and Saracens, took Leeds away from the bottom of the table, and now destiny was in our own hands.

Three successive defeats followed, stating at Gloucester, Northampton at home, and then a drubbing at Harlequins. Would the bubble burst at the wrong time?

No. Leeds went to Reading, and without doubt in my mind turned in their best display of the season as they beat London Irish 23 – 13. You really did have to be there to witness what happened. Irish were camped on Leeds’ line for most of the second half, but Leeds held firm. Jon Goodridge made probably the best tackle he has ever made to save a certain try, before Lee Blackett intercepted a loose pass on his own line and went for glory. He didn’t have the pace, but he produced the kick of the season, and there was Jon Goodridge in support to score the try that for me guaranteed safety.

The maths were now simple, avoid defeat at home to Worcester, and we were safe, and the Warriors were down. Having built a 12 – 0 lead, Leeds should have been safe, but some pressure from the visitors added to the tension, and when they scored a try, albeit from a lucky bounce to reduce the deficit to 2 points, nerves were once again on edge. However, one thing this Leeds team has in abundance is fight, and they had enough to see the game through, and secure another season playing in the Guinness Premiership.

The final game didn’t matter, and it’s maybe as well, as Leeds were on the wrong end of a 39 – 3 drubbing down at Bath. However, Leeds had achieved what they set out to do, avoid relegation, and importantly all of the new players who were persuaded to join the revolution made significant contributions. Neil Back and Andy Key appear to be close to making further signings to strengthen the squad significantly. Their target for next season is a top six finish. Rival fans may well laugh, but I wouldn’t bet against these two shrewd operators delivering the goods again. And, if they do, what a season we will have.

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