The clocks going forward and the loss of 1 hour’s sleep seemed to affect the energy of the Menaces as they showed-up at home to play a spirited South Leicester side in the warm spring sunshine.

Things started brightly enough, as the first fixture fizzed with Menaces swagger: pop passes, tackles, rucking and a general urgency marked the first half. Daniel Weston grabbed a brace, Arthur Adams put himself on the scoreboard and was his usual terrier self but the whole team contributed to the general pressure: Dylan Williams saving a certain try with a robust last-man tackle, Jonny Sobek tackling in 3 successive phases. South Leicester managed a try in the dying moments after some sustained pressure of their own but the Menaces went in at half-time deservedly 3-1 up.

The second half was a different story however. South Leicester’s substitutions upped their own intensity and suddenly Menaces were caught napping as South Leicester began freely scoring tries. George Williams grabbed a consolation try and tackled his heart out but any pressure and hard work the Menaces created was never capitalised on.

South Leicester were eventual 3-5 winners and the Menaces were left to work out how there had been such a turnaround in fortune before the 2nd fixture.

Were it not for the shape of the ball, newcomer spectators would have been forgiven for mistaking the second game for tennis, not rugby. Improved consistency meant once again Menaces were freely scoring tries: Arthur Adams, George Williams, Daniel Weston, Teagan Beaufoy all ran in tries from their own half but at each restart South Leicester were permitted to score a try of their own through knock-ons else missed tackles. At half-time it was tight with Menaces having the edge at 4-3.

Once again the second half was a different story: George Williams managed a try from a Menaces scrum but a loss of focus meant South Leicester were able to run in 2 tries of their own virtually unopposed before the referee brought half to a premature close due to an injury to a South Leicester player. The score standing at 5-5.

George Williams was the deserved Player of the Week and one hope’s the Easter Break will revitalise the Menaces as the weather and ground conditions improve and they prepare for a successful Tour to Cardiff. We also hope the injured South Leicester Player a speedy recovery.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Andy Sobek