Leeds Carnegie, having been relegated twice in the past three seasons, were justifiably pleased with a draw and two points on their return to the Guinness Premiership, although yesterday’s dire opener at Headingley unfortunately bore all the hallmarks of a relegation scrap.
Newcastle Falcons rightly kicked themselves afterwards for not winning a game that their forwards had largely dominated. Despite being worked over in the scrum by the pulverising figure of Carl Hayman, Leeds held on doggedly and Jimmy Gopperth, the former junior All Black brought in to replace Jonny Wilkinson, demonstrated just how big those particular boots are to fill by miscuing four of seven penalty goal attempts.
Given Newcastle’s greater possession, Gopperth’s game management lacked any control or orthodoxy. He was too fast and loose, was comfortably policed and was also pulled back for a looping forward pass that set in motion a move that ended with Alex Tait crossing the line. It was certainly the nearest thing to a try on an afternoon that was concluded by Ceiron Thomas’s third penalty, in the 75th minute, again the subject of fierce debate from Newcastle.
Andy Key, the Leeds director of rugby, said afterwards that he was now more convinced that Leeds would stay up. Not that they are likely to meet many sides as generous as Newcastle. Credit to the newcomers, though, in that they rode their luck and were still laying siege to their opponents’ line until the last minute. Hendre Fourie was a towering presence for them in the back row and Alfie To’oala chipped in with a destructive cameo.
“The last time we were in the Premiership, we were well and truly beaten by Gloucester in the first game,” Key said. “It was clear to see we can compete and looked more ambitious. We’ve got to be dogged and rugged around the breakdown and we also showed we want to play, which you need to do to be successful in this division.”
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Gopperth and Thomas traded more misses before finding better aim with two successful penalty goals apiece in the second half.
However, it was extraordinary just how little creative rugby either team managed to generate. Leeds did look to shift the ball more, but too many moves foundered.
Those in the crowd seeking excitement were better off watching Hayman driving through Gareth Hardy at the scrum, although the Leeds prop enjoyed a small victory in seeing the Newcastle captain being penalised for pulling down.
Leeds are hopeful that the visa problems holding up the arrival of two more props, Mike MacDonald and Fosi Pala’amo, will be resolved shortly, although not in time for Friday’s visit to Worcester Warriors.
As for Gopperth’s responsibility in succeeding Wilkinson at Newcastle, Steve Bates, their director of rugby, said: “He’s his own man, he’s very confident and I don’t think it crossed his mind that Jonny ever played here. He was certainly nervous, because there was some uncertainty over how we were going to do, but he’ll develop as the team develops.”
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Scorers: Leeds Carnegie: Penalty goals: Thomas 3 (23min, 63, 74). Newcastle Falcons: Penalty goals: Gopperth 3 (6, 58, 67).
Scoring sequence (Leeds Carnegie first): 0-3, 3-3 (half-time), 3-6, 6-6, 6-9, 9-9.
Leeds Carnegie: J Goodridge; R Welding, J Hepworth, S Barrow (rep: H Paul, 75), L Blackett (rep: S Armstrong, 61); C Thomas, A Gomarsall (rep: S Mathie, 61); G Hardy, V Ma’asi (rep: R Rawlinson, 47), T McGee (rep: P Swainston, 53), P Murphy, M Wentzel, K Myall (rep: A To’oala, 53), H Fourie, R Oakley (rep: D Paul, 68).
Newcastle Falcons: A Tait; D Williams (rep: C Amesbury, 59), R Vickerman, G Bobo, T Biggs; J Gopperth, M Young; J Golding (rep: M Ward, 80), R Vickers (rep: M Thompson, 68), C Hayman, T Swinson, J Hudson, A Balding, B Wilson, P Browne.
Referee: J P Doyle.
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Attendance: 7,144.
Blood-bin: Lee Blackett, of Leeds, sent to blood-bin for spilling genuine “claret” from cut near eye.