Important home win over Lismore

Leith v Lismore
Report by Kenny Dannfald

After a few run of four defeats Leith were looking to bounce back with a victory over Lismore after a week off due to the international fixtures. Leith were also looking for revenge after their second half collapse at Lismore on the opening day which led to a 26-19 defeat.

Leith started the game playing with the stiff breeze and low sun in their eyes and it didn’t take too long for Leith to put some phases together and get deep into the Lismore 22m area. After some quick recycling at the breakdown the ball was moved quickly out wide and Chris Seenan fed Kenny Dannfald allowing him to go over in the corner. Wanting to add to their lead Leith continued with a high intensity in all areas of the pitch. One area which was particularly pleasing to see function well was the scrum, putting the Lismore scrum under pressure and forcing several turnovers.

Dave Robertson was on hand to kick and chase a loose ball deep into Lismore territory, after regathering Dave was tackled just short of the line but was able to pop to the supporting Ian Briscoe who managed to get over the line and touch down. Credit must go to Briscoe as he continued his run into the posts despite pulling a hamstring en route to the line. Dave then himself got in on the action and got his reward for some hard work and supporting lines. Good work in loose play allowed Andy Mac to break through into the 22m before offloading to Dave for his first try of the campaign. Doug Watters added the conversions making the score 19-0 Leith.

Lismore upped their game and started to cause Leith some issues around the breakdown and were making yards deep into the Leith half. However some disciplined defending and big hits made sure no points were conceded. Leith were able to turn defence into attack and good line out work gave Andy Mac the platform to once again break through the line before this time feeding Mark Phillips who crashed over from short range. Doug added the extra 2 making the half time score 26 – 0

As expected Lismore started the second half galvanised knowing that an early score could yet spark another comeback. However, once again the Leith defence stood strong and kept Lismore at bay for the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half, until a lapse in concentration lapsed allowed Lismore to pull off a strike move putting their winger under the posts. 26-5.

However unlike earlier in the season Leith didn’t let this score set them back. Instead Leith once again took the game to Lismore. Quick hands in the backs allowed Dannfald to feed Robertson for his 2nd of the game. Substitute Andy Barr then got in on the action after good work between the back 3 allowed Craig Smith to put Andy over for a score in the corner.

It seemed that everything was going Leith’s way when yet another break away gave Craig Smith the opportunity to beat a few mean and go over for a score. However with the try line gaping Craig dropped the ball over the line. However from the resulting scrum Leith pushed the Lismore scrum allowing Number 8 David Meadows to touch down. The scoring was rounded off by Dannfald as he collected a grubber from Craig Smith, beat a few men and touched down. Full time 50-5.

Over all a much improved performance on recent weeks however still plenty to work on.

MOTM – Paul Allison

Tries (assists)
Dannfald x2 (Seenan, Smith)
Robertson x 2 (Dannfald, MacIntosh)
Phillips (Mackintosh)
Barr (Smith)
Briscoe (Robertson)
Meadows (Front Row)

Conversions
Watters x 5