Yorkshire Carnegie
Preview: Leeds v Sale
Back in action this week?
By Martyn Horwell
November 19 2009
Leeds Carnegie return to Guinness Premiership action this weekend when they play host to near neighbours Sale Sharks, and even at this early stage of the season, this is an important game for both sides.
Leeds currently prop up the table, but outstanding displays in the last two league games have given hope that better things lie in wait for the Headingley outfit. A losing bonus point at Saracens, was followed by a superb victory at Wasps, and instead of being detached at the bottom, Leeds are now on the shirt tails of those immediately above them. Indeed a win this week could lift them to the dizzy heights of tenth place, and surely this would take some of the pressure off the coaching team as they seek to establish the club in the top tier.
This week’s visitors made a good start to the season with a home victory over Leicester Tigers, but they remained winless until the last round of fixtures when they overcame Gloucester at Edgeley Park. Their only reward on the road came up at Kingston Park, when if memory serves me correctly, they appeared to be heading for defeat, only to fight back to share the spoils in a 16 apiece draw. Sale currently stand 6 points and 5 places above Leeds in the table, and like Leeds, they have not threatened the whitewash too often, relying heavily on the boot of Charlie Hodgson, or one of his understudies. That may suggest we are in for another kicking fest, and if that is the case, Leeds must hope Ceiron Thomas continues where he left off before the autumn break, while at the same time limiting the opportunities they offer the visitors marksman.
Award winning groundsman Jason Booth has had the rain covers protecting the pitch, so once again we should have a good surface to play on, and hopefully this will encourage both sides to throw the ball about and provide a decent spectacle.Sale usually bring a good following from across the hill, and we look forward to seeing them, in what will hopefully be a good sized crowd.
Providing they are all available, I don’t expect too many changes in the Leeds team, from that which was victorious at Wasps, although I would like to see Armstrong given a chance on the wing. His pace, and willingness to take defenders on the outside, could well be vital should half chances come Leeds way. Leeds has never beaten Sale, but I don’t suppose that statistic will figure in this weeks team talk, and I imagine there is a quiet confidence in the camp that the hoodoo will be lifted this Sunday. I expect to see a close, tight game, with defences on top, but as ever the optimist, I’m going for a narrow Leeds victory.
Enjoy the game.
COME ON LEEDS!!
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19/11/2009 10:03
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I really really want Leeds to win this game. For one thing I want them to win as it will propel them up the table (potentially), and for another because I've finally convinced my Leeds Rhinos loving and rugby union hating boyfriend to come along, and I really can't be @rsed with him sl@gging off Leeds for being rubbish (as he more often than not does)!
Come on Leeds!
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