Match Report: Deacons v Leigh

Deacons v Leigh

By Peter Demery

While the weather was damp and dull, the rugby wasn’t. Leigh arrived ready to challenge a Deacons pack that has been immovable most of the season.

Up front they were big, with strong runners & from kick off they made their presence felt.

Again it took the Deacons a period to settle into the game under sustained, relentless attacks. The defensive effort was huge and when we settled, the attacking prowess was quality.

The conditions didn’t help and the ball went loose a number of times in the first half which added to the frenetic nature of the game.

We led at half time but there was nothing in it at all.

The second half changes had an impact, although the pack still got out muscled at times with some key CCCU front row union members having a rest (or on International duty). The last 20 was key.

Deacons were behind, the changes had put fresh legs on but needed something else to raise the team.

A change to the front row & adding some more weight into the pack stopped the Leigh onslaught at scrum time. And at no.8 ‘Little Bear’ pulled out some huge hits.

As the Deacons steadily worked their way towards the try line the passion and teamwork was evident.

Going ahead it was time to manage the game in the dying minutes. Some outstanding work on the floor slowed down the Leigh counterattack after the restart before our very own Little Bear turned the ball over with the clock in the red.

Victory after a competitive game where any team could’ve taken the spoils.

The West brothers had a huge impact. The Coffin brothers were outstanding. Sam Roud showed he should be playing Deacons every week & Josh Lamb put most of the points on the board through clever running and his kicking. With a couple of Colts playing up for their first experience in senior rugby 19 Deacons played with the heart and soul we’ve come to expect from the clubs most fun, best looking team.

18 x POTM after that game.

Sittingbourne away next Saturday