Yorkshire Carnegie
Carnegie attack the Castle
Old stomping ground
By Haxbytyke
February 13 2013
After their narrow defeat to league leaders Newcastle, Leeds travel to Castle Park this week to take on the team who are rooted firmly at the bottom. The Yorkshire Regiment Trophy may well be connected to the fixture, but Leeds sole concern has to be a victory to keep them in the running for the final play off place in the Championship.
In recent seasons, games between these two clubs have been tightly contested affairs, but this time around, the Knights are struggling, and Leeds had little difficulty in recording a resounding win back in the days when Headingley was home. Doncaster have a lovely modern stadium, and before a ball had been kicked in August, few would have predicted that our hosts would be struggling against relegation, but this is now a real threat, and unless Donny start picking up points very soon, they will, sadly be consigned to the drop. I for one hope they can escape, and I won’t be too bothered if they pick up a point this week, providing Leeds can pick up all 5 on offer.
Donny had a tough trip down toCornwall last Sunday, and in atrocious conditions lost heavily, whereas Leeds gave their best display for a long time, and if performing anywhere near as well, they surely will go home with a full house this week. The forwards provided a solid platform, and in heavy conditions they tried to move the ball about and play some open rugby. The confidence gained from such a display has to be carried forward to Saturday, and I hope to see the same 15 who started at Otley, running out again at Castle Park. Whether they will, or not, is down to Diccon’s selection policy, but how can anybody who began against the Falcons be left out, unless of course they picked up an injury?
I would make a couple of changes to the bench. I’d recall James Doherty, and if he is available, add Rory Clegg, as well as recalling Chris Walker. Having said that, maybe if the pitch isn’t too heavy, Leeds could include another back to provide an extra attacking edge. If so, Josh Griffin, or Matt Clark could come into the equation.
Steve McColl, Fred Burden, and Oli Goss will be keen to make an impression against their former club, while Joe Bedford and Andy Boyde could face up to their former colleagues in a fixture that is also part of the Yorkshire Regimental Cup challenge. So far Leeds boasts a 100% record in that competition, and I’ll be very disappointed if that is still not the case come Saturday evening.
With Bristol and Pirates having home games on Sunday against Rotherham and London Scottish respectively, Leeds can add a bit of pressure by gaining a convincing win on Saturday. Leeds, by 20 for me, and I hope their will be a fair few ‘Negies there to see it. Have a safe trip, and supporters of both sides, enjoy the game.
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13/02/2013 19:14
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:02:26:18:26:25 by Wildwillie .
Quote:farmertyke
Remember last year at Donny
A dire, hard fought draw in the gloom. I got conjunctivitus staring into the wind and trying to make the players out under the floodlights.
One lives in hopes.
Up the Carnegie TYKES !
