Leeds

LESLEY VAINIKOLO'S DREAM DEBUT for Gloucester announced his arrival in the Guinness Premiership in no uncertain manner as he helped himself to an incredible five-try haul at Headingley, where newly promoted Leeds were blown away in the second half.
Vainikolo must like playing at Leeds. He scored at Headingley in his final rugby league appearance for Bradford Bulls in June and at times the giant Tongan powerhouse winger was virtually unstoppable on his first union outing.
Big Les got one score in the first half and added four more tries after the break as the Cherry and Whites notched up an impressive eight try bonus point win start to the season.
Vainikolo did much to dispel the nagging thoughts that he might be another league failure, like the over-paid, over –rated flop, Andy Farrell.
A couple of Big Les’ tries could have been scored by any Premiership winger but there is no denying that his very physical presence with the ball in hand induces near panic in the opposition ranks. I am sure the shock waves will have reached the other Premiership clubs who will modify their game-plans accordingly but by doing so they could well create opportunities for other Gloucester players.

Gloucester announced their attacking intent within minutes of the start as Big Les charged forward but when he was stopped, the ball was swiftly moved across field for the impressive Leon Lloyd to find James Simpson-Daniel with a long pass and he stepped inside to score in the corner.
However it was not all plain sailing for the Cherry and Whites as Leeds used the strong wind to their advantage before flanker Jon Dunbar profited from some weak cover tackles to cross and the conversion put the home side in front.
Alberto Di Bernado added the conversion and three simple penalties from in front of the posts as Gloucester infringed all too often and were duly punished during a first half period of Leeds pressure.
Gloucester’s line out and scrum performed well and Andy Hazell with Luke Narraway won plenty of ball, with the No. 8 outstanding, before the visitors got back on terms with a try from former Leeds player Iain Balshaw.
Ryan Lamb was off-target with his conversion kicks from wide out but did manage a penalty to level the scores at 13 all.
Another Leeds penalty edged the hosts back in front before Big Les got his first try as his full-blooded charge took him over the line with defenders hanging on to him in a futile attempt to stop him. Leeds did pull back a score as Gloucester conceded yet another penalty.19-18.
After the break with the wind behind them Gloucester upped their efforts and Ryan Lamb, well supported by backs and forwards, became increasingly more influential as the game progressed .
Gloucester soon set the scoreboard back in motion as a weaving run from Anthony Allen split the Leeds defence wide open with deceptive ease.

Leeds responded in positive fashion and when a Gloucester kick missed touch they scored a well taken try through winger Tom Rock to narrow the gap to a single point before Vainikolo stole the show with his four tries in the final twenty minutes.
Gloucester won turn-over ball and Narraway supplied a long pass to Big Les and he did the rest.
Hazell won the ball on the floor and was unchecked as he made inroads through the Leeds defence and enough space was created for the winger to get his hat trick.
Leeds were now forced back by the boot of Ryan Lamb and he found Vainikolo with a well weighted kick for the simplest of scores.
Gloucester were still not finished as a spot-on cross-field kick from Lamb was gratefully accepted by the winger who claimed his fourth second half try to seal an outstanding debut.
A bonus point win and a solid showing from the Cherry and Whites. Plenty of positives from the first match of the Premiership season but plenty more to work on.
T.H. 17/9/2007