Leodiensian 13-13 North Ribblesdale
It was two tries from full back Robert Smith which brought Leodiensians the Powergen Vase trophy in the all Yorkshire final at Twickenham last month. Although the two sides were all square at full time Leodiensians won the match on try count.
It was a remarkable match in all senses as the kick-off was delayed by an hour due to a fire in a hamburger van behind the South Stand, which meant the Vase final being reduced to 30 minutes each way with a swift turn around at the break.
Winning skipper Dan Eddie said, “We are absolutely delighted, we have worked hard for this for four or five years. It’s a great day for the club and everyone involved particularly Hedley Smith who’s 84 and still makes the sandwiches and cleans the dressing rooms.”
Remarking on the delayed start, which both teams agreed in order to help a grateful RFU, he said, “It’s winning that counts, whether it’s 30 minutes or 40 minutes each way.”
Ribblesdale captain Simon Spensley echoed those sentiments, “We knew before the match it was going to be 30 minutes each way and it’s the same for both teams.”
Leodiensians put their first points on the board after just three minutes when an attack that started from a lineout on the halfway line ended with a penalty in the Ribblesdale 22 and fly half and captain Dan Eddie slotted the place kick. Ribblesdale equalized through the first of fly half Adam Whaites’ two penalties but it was Leodiensians who took an 8-6 lead into the second half through the first Smith touchdown in the right hand corner created by scrum half Matthew Sale.
