Yorkshire Carnegie
Nottingham v Leeds Carnegie
Sure to be in the 22?
By Martyn Horwell
December 12 2008
It's half time, as far as the number of games played are concerned in National Division 1, and table topping Leeds kick off the second half with a trip to Meadow Lane, the home of third placed Nottingham. The hosts have only suffered two defeats, and are unbeaten on home soil so far, and they will be looking to maintain this proud record and be the first team to defeat the current league leaders.
Nottingham will rely heavily on the divisions leading points scorer, David Jackson to give them the platform for success. He alone is responsible for 144 of the 444 points they have accumulated, although in Tim Taylor they have a more than capable 'reserve' place kicker.
Off the field though, Nottingham have had financial concerns, and a few weeks ago, there was the possibility of this fine club having to fold. Hopefully these problems have been resolved for the near future, and the green and whites can concentrate on playing rugby. Although promotion now looks highly unlikely this term, they will surely be a major player in the restructured 'Championship' next season.
Their hopes were very high for this season, but they were dealt a severe blow only ten minutes into the opening game when they visited Headingley on the last day of August. That was all the time it took for Leeds to score 2 tries and effectively put the game to bed. Nottingham did fight back, notably when Leeds had their switch-off period, but Leeds finished strongly, and late tries by Hepworth and Biggs secured a bonus point, winning start to the season. Since that afternoon, Leeds have cleared every obstacle placed in front of them, with the coaching staff ringing the changes to make sure everybody gets valuable game time, and in the case of the younger players, much needed experience.
Last weeks comfortable victory over Plymouth saw some fine individual performances, and predicting the team for this week, is more difficult than predicting the score. It is fair to say that every player who has worn the blue and gold so far has staked his claim to a place. Once again the discussions among the fans seem to be based on do we go for experience, or flair, in key positions. First and foremost, this week is about securing a win, no matter how small, to hold our position at the top of the table, and for that reason alone I believe the starting line up will be one of experience. This is the kind of game that players like Jason Strange and Henry Paul were signed for, and while I don't expect both to start, I will be surprised if both are not in the 22. As ever, I am hopeful of a bonus point victory, and if we play as we can, we will achieve that.
Hopefully the weather will improve, and the game will go ahead. Lets hope for a good following of supporters to cheer the boys on, and of course for that important win. Enjoy the game.
Off the field though, Nottingham have had financial concerns, and a few weeks ago, there was the possibility of this fine club having to fold. Hopefully these problems have been resolved for the near future, and the green and whites can concentrate on playing rugby. Although promotion now looks highly unlikely this term, they will surely be a major player in the restructured 'Championship' next season.
Their hopes were very high for this season, but they were dealt a severe blow only ten minutes into the opening game when they visited Headingley on the last day of August. That was all the time it took for Leeds to score 2 tries and effectively put the game to bed. Nottingham did fight back, notably when Leeds had their switch-off period, but Leeds finished strongly, and late tries by Hepworth and Biggs secured a bonus point, winning start to the season. Since that afternoon, Leeds have cleared every obstacle placed in front of them, with the coaching staff ringing the changes to make sure everybody gets valuable game time, and in the case of the younger players, much needed experience.
Last weeks comfortable victory over Plymouth saw some fine individual performances, and predicting the team for this week, is more difficult than predicting the score. It is fair to say that every player who has worn the blue and gold so far has staked his claim to a place. Once again the discussions among the fans seem to be based on do we go for experience, or flair, in key positions. First and foremost, this week is about securing a win, no matter how small, to hold our position at the top of the table, and for that reason alone I believe the starting line up will be one of experience. This is the kind of game that players like Jason Strange and Henry Paul were signed for, and while I don't expect both to start, I will be surprised if both are not in the 22. As ever, I am hopeful of a bonus point victory, and if we play as we can, we will achieve that.
Hopefully the weather will improve, and the game will go ahead. Lets hope for a good following of supporters to cheer the boys on, and of course for that important win. Enjoy the game.
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
StumbleuponNottingham v Leeds Carnegie
Discussion started by TykesRugby.co.uk (IP Logged), 12/12/2008 08:36
What that you managed to right that much!!, makes a good preview though Haxby and should be a cracking game hopefully I can match your Preview with a decent Review
Some say he has a Tykes flag with team signatures on.
Others say that he's doing the same to the Carnegie flag,
All we know is that he's called Leeds carnegie signed flag.
Some say he has a Tykes flag with team signatures on.
Others say that he's doing the same to the Carnegie flag,
All we know is that he's called Leeds carnegie signed flag.
Now I'm nervous!!! Excited but nervous.......this is a huge game now (for both teams incidentally), and could be a defining moment of the season for us.
Tiz
Tiz
Tiz, will you be there? If we all get behind the lads tomorrow, there will be nothing but euphoria just after half past four. Even a 4 pointer will be enough, but obviously 5 would be better, As we have said all along, Exeter need somebody to do them a big favour, and I just can't see that happening.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:12:13:21:44:40 by haxbytyke.
COME ON LEEDS.
We've been through it all together.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:12:13:21:44:40 by haxbytyke.
Quote:haxbytyke
Tiz, will you be there? If we all get behind the lads tomorrow, there will be nothing but euphoria just after half past four. Even a 4 pointer will be enough, but obviously 5 would be better, As we have said all along, Exeter need somebody to do them a big favour, and I just can't see that happening.
I'll be there Haxbytyke, would'nt miss it for the world. Just hope the weather bucks up!!
Cheers
Tiz
Sorry, you do not have permission to post/reply in this forum.
