The re-launched Stanley Rodillians LegEnds under the leadership of captain and director of rugby Richard Vasey enjoyed a hard fought win in sunny conditions at Manley Park.

The day started on a sad note with the players observing a minutes silence for former Rods player Steve Sykes who passed away during the week. The team, which included a number of Steve's ex team mates and friends, went on to give an excellent all-round performance.
Playing down the slope in the first half the Rods started strongly and took an early lead when teenage fly-half Chris Parker, the son of the returning Dave Parker, chipped over from 30 metres and regathered to score. The conversion was not added, however undeterred the Rods continued to play well with Heslop and Coleman?s assured handling in the backs being a highlight. The lead was nearly increased when deep in his own half veteran Mick Stanley hacked a loose ball forward to set up a chase to the line which the visitor's managed to clear.
As the Rods legs began to tire, YM scored twice before the interval to take a 12 - 7 lead. The deficit could have been more had it not been for the last ditch defending of full back Matt Whittingham and the resolute forward play of Odgers, Rogers, Parker senior and Dowling.
Playing against the slope, and losing early substitute Lee Pickup to injury the signs were looking ominous for the second half, however Rods were thankful of being able to call on a number of replacements and the fresh legs helped to re-invigorate the hosts with newcomer Tom Dark making several strong runs, and the centre pairing of the evergreen Andy Hall and Phil Bedworth defending well.
With Dave Amann and Darren Ward dominating play Rods took control of the game.

Chris Parker was revelling on his rugby union debut and added to his first half score with two more solo tries to which he added the conversions. With Allen and Harris revelling in the loose, the home side began to pass the ball around with replacement winger Ian Walton testing YM?s cover defence on a couple of occasions.
YM never gave in and launched several counter attacks one of which was stopped by a harshly penalised big hit by front rower Garnham.
Strong defence was being matched by strong attack when a try by Bedworth was disallowed with the wily Watts final pass being judged forward by the referee.
Bedworth didn't have to wait long to get on the scoresheet when shortly afterwards he finished off a sweeping move to score, with Chris Parker again converting. At this point he left the pitch to a standing ovation to be replaced by Stuart Knight.
There was time for one for more score when Tony Clisby danced and dodged his way through the visitor's defence to set up a try which Dave Parker and Strickland both claimed. Taking after his brother, Harris's attempted conversion didn't get off the ground!
This was a fitting end to a great performance with forwards with Drye and Jones both having strong games.

The LegEnds next game is away to Wetherby on 4 October.

Ian Strickland

The LegEnds fell to their first defeat of the season in another close fought encounter.

Despite a number of players missing due to unavailability, injury and ill health, Captain and Director of Rugby Richard Vasey was able to welcome new recruits Simon Edwards and Duncan Bullock to the fold.
The LegEnds started the game strongly with Knight, Edwards and Whittingham all making half breaks. Then, motivated by some astonishing handling by Karl 'The Cat' Bates, hooker Matt Harris broke free only to be halted inches short of the line. Shortly afterwards, not to be thwarted, Harris eventually crossed the whitewash after several passages of attacking play.

However, Rods early lead seemed to bring the home side to life, with a move along the backline leading to the left winger scoring in the corner, beating off a last ditch attempted cover tackle by LegEnds stalwart Ray Heslop. The try was converted from the touchline giving the hosts a 7-5 lead.
Boosted by having a large squad, Rods were able to make continual changes, replacement Tom Tooley nearly scoring after following up a box kick by scrum half Stewart Walsh. YMCA had chances too, but there was no change in the score at half time.

The second half started badly with the hosts quickly adding to their lead with an unconverted score, but as in the first half with YMCA, this only galvanised the Rods to fight back. Booth, Dobson, Kay and Illingworth made strong breaks and after good forward play by Drye and Lewis, winger Mosby was tackled in to touch. This pressure ultimately led to replacement fly half Scott Cramner breaking clear to score. Unfortunately, and what proved to be decisively, the conversion was not successful.

This led to a cagey last quarter, with initially YMCA attempting to add to their lead with a penalty kick at goal which nearly led to a try after Bates mishandled in his own in-goal. After YMCA followed up the kick only resolute defence prevented what looked like a certain score. Both sides had further chances with Rods closest being a Tooley brerak that was stopped by a hidden sniper and Peter Freeman being held up just short .

Despite both teams efforts there was no further score before the final whistle.

All in all a good afternoon's play. The next LegEnds game is on 14 February at home to Halifax Vandals.

Ian Strickland