Here is a brief history of Moseley RFC, they were founded in 1873 by members of Havelock Cricket Club who were looking for a winter sport, the club debuted their traditional red and black colours the following year.  Moseley's golden years were in the late 60's and 70's, where they reached 3 "John Player Cup" finals, they also won the Anglo-Welsh Cup twice in 1973 and 1977.  In January 1998 having overstretched themselves financially to retain its professional status they unfortunately went into administration (an issue that is facing others in the current climate).  Having secured funding the club emerged from administration in June 1998 when the club was purchased by a group of Moseley Rugby Club members, the club took up residence at the University of Birmingham where they stayed until the end of the 04/05 season.  In 2005 Moseley moved from the Uni to their current home, Billesley Common, in terms of league position Moseley were in the Second Division between 2003 and 2006 before successfully achieving promotion, they avoided relegation in 2006-07 by finishing 14^th before finishing in 10^th position last season.

During our last sojourn in National League One we had a 100% record against Moseley winning, 37-27 at home in October followed by a 29-6 win at Billesley Common in February. 

This weekend sees a welcome return to Headingley for Richard Vasey who joined Moseley at the end of last season.  The 23 year old fly half spent his formative years in the Leeds Academy being involved in the Development XV which won the Yorkshire Senior Cup.  He was a key squad member during our time in ND1 but he did not get game time in the Premiership and moved on to Moseley where he has since made 12 appearances scoring 93 points, I am sure that Richard will get a warm welcome on his return.

Leeds come into the Moseley game with 12 wins from 12, we have however, not secured a try bonus point for the last 3 games (all be it against tough opposition - Doncaster, Bedford and the Pirates), the latter a very nerve-wracking match where we narrowly scraped a 2 point victory.  After racing into a 12 point lead within 10 minutes the Pirates clawed their way back into the match through indiscipline from Leeds/biased refereeing/inability to adapt to the ref(delete those that are not applicable). 

Leeds need to secure a full 5 points this weekend and, no offence to Moseley, they should do so.  It will be interesting to see the side that represent Leeds on Sunday with sweeping changes to the starting line-up being the name of the game.  Currently the only long term injury worry we have is Villi although Johnny Hepworth missed the last match with a rib injury.

We have 6 games remaining this year and the target must be to still be unbeaten and clear at the top of the league by the time 2009 comes around.  This situation would be the ideal springboard into the New Year and I believe this is fully attainable as our squad has passion and the winning mentality required.

Roll on 3pm on Sunday, see you there!

Saturday, 22 November 2008

Doncaster v Bedford, 14:30

Exeter v Coventry, 15:00

London Welsh v Nottingham, 13:00

Manchester v Otley, 14:15

Plymouth Albion v Esher, 15:00

Rotherham Titans v Newbury, 15:00

Sunday, 23 November 2008
Cornish Pirates v Sedgley Park, 14:00
Leeds Carnegie v Moseley, 15:00