Seen this before?

By Martyn Horwell
January 24 2009

Leeds return to ND1 action this weekend, with the famous London Welsh as the visitors to Headingley. Once one of the most feared clubs in British rugby, the Exiles no longer fill their ranks with household names, but as Leeds found to their cost two seasons ago, they are still capable of causing an upset.

A number of the current Leeds squad made their debuts in that game, and I’m sure it is a performance most have them have forgotten.

Much of course has changed since then. Leeds have tasted life in the Guinness Premiership, only to be relegated at the first attempt, while our visitors have settled into a mid table outfit in ND1.

Having ventured into a fully professional environment this season, Welsh were probably hoping to hold a higher position than the 7^th spot they currently hold, the same spot they occupied at the end of last term.  Having made a decent start to this season, things looked bright, but  early in October, Leeds visited their picturesque Richmond home, and turned in their best display of the season to record a comprehensive 38 - 0 win.

Since then Welsh have struggled to find the consistency needed to improve their standing, but they do arrive on the crest of a mini wave, having been unbeaten in their last 3 games, including a last gasp one point victory away to Bedford, and I’m sure the coaching staff at Headingley will not be taking any chances when they name their 22 for Sunday, and as is now the norm, guessing who will don the blue and gold shirt is as difficult as predicting the correct score in the prediction league...

With an 8 point advantage going into the final 11 fixtures, it is imperative that Leeds take a bonus point win from this fixture, and maintain the pressure on their closest rivals.

It will not be easy, but hopefully the win will be forthcoming. After Sunday, the next three league fixtures are against teams from the lower end of the table, and a good win this week should set us up nicely for the final run in.

Hopefully the weather will be fine, there will be a fair crowd, and we’ll see some great rugby. Enjoy the game.

Remember London Welsh ...

Discussion started by TykesRugby.co.uk (IP Logged), 24/01/2009 00:06

TykesRugby.co.uk
24/01/2009 00:06

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*baldric*
24/01/2009 00:10

The crowd is never fair - whether in size, appearance, or sporting demeanour

Still a Tyke - whatever the name!

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Wildwillie
24/01/2009 06:43

Except for the Paddock Balders where we are all fairly large.

Splendid preview Hax - I for one, have never forgiven LW for that black day 2 years ago & hope we are without mercy in our performance (as we were at the ODP)

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daveyjp
24/01/2009 08:23

The first time I saw Leeds was against LW - 1993/94 season. The game was played at Kirkstall and it was £3 to get in!

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FOR2008
24/01/2009 09:51

I thought London Welsh packed their side full of the England Under 21 side, or did that go t8ts up

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Loosehead
24/01/2009 09:56

Quote:

FOR2008
I thought London Welsh packed their side full of the England Under 21 side, or did that go t8ts up

They have had several on loan from Wasps the young #8 and Scrumhalf

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dragon27
24/01/2009 10:34

I expected more from London Welsh this season, they still have a few English and Welsh U21's and recently signed Bonner-Evans from Sale. They are a team in transition and will be more of a force in a couple of years. Good N0 10 Aled Thomas he was at Newport with Hints and Rhys, he is well thought of within the WRU.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:01:24:10:44:45 by dragon27.

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boadecia
24/01/2009 10:49

Aled Thomas; he's having a good season with LW

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Wildwillie
24/01/2009 11:12

"Aled" - a fine name for a beer drinker - more polite than "pis*ed. (Sm127)

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dragon27
24/01/2009 11:18

Leeds could take a look at Aled, when we played them at ODP both Gareth Jenkins and Stuart Gallagher from Llanelli were looking at him and despite being young he's played at a much higher level, including the Heineken Cup.

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Mark_C
24/01/2009 23:18

Pay them plenty respect, they're a good side with a wonderful tradition both on and off the pitch.

Can't wait for the start.

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