Yorkshire Division Three: Leeds Modernians 15 Baildon 14

IN recent years, Old Modernians away has proven a tricky fixture for the Jenny Laners as the hosts play route-one rugby.

They have a strong pack and a kicker who can put distance on the ball, which puts them in prime position to score points, and Baildon began up the lope and into the wind.

With the visitors stuggling to clear their lines, a knock-on set up an attacking five-metre scrum for Mods, who went over from a blind-side maul.

However, Baildon's front row of Sam Thompson, Dale Tabiner and Pete Lowth were relishing the set-piece, although the visitors' backs lacked a cutting edge.

Baildon had the majority of the possession but Mods had the territory, kicks frequently sending Baildon from halfway to near their own line.

Will Tomlinson, on for Thompson, then came in from the side to concede a penalty close to the posts, which Mods kicked to gain an 8-0 half-time lead, although Baildon gained 20 metres from a rolling maul after James Fox had caught a line-out.

Not it was Baildon's turn to dominate territory, and they were held up over the line from a maul and won a penalty for offside. Spurning the easy three points, they were thrice foiled by close-in knock-ons before Craig Woodhall was sent on to steady matters.

The move paid off when he was driven over for a try, O'Connell converting from the touchline to make it 8-7. However, the hosts then profited from a heel against the head to scored through a massive gap in the visitors' defence and convert it for 15-7.

This forced Baildon to change tack but they missed a kickable penalty before replacement fly half Jamie Venning put O'Connell through at speed for a try which the latter converted.

However, despite being all over their hosts, they had to settle for a losing bonus point in a contest they could well have won.