In his column this week Leeds Carnegie's club captain Rob Rawlinson, who is currently celebrating his testimonial season looks back on the team's fantastic win over London Welsh and ahead to the next game Sedgley Park on Saturday.

First of all I have to congratulate the Rhino's for what was a fantastic team performance in their Grand Final victory over St Helens.  After being labelled the under dogs they completely dominated saints and went away from sunny Manchester with a well deserved win, so from all the staff and players, to Brian and his squad well done!!!!!!!
Now to our game - well I bet you would have got good odds down at the bookies for that score line!! To be honest we were slightly taken aback at the final score but if you managed to get down to London to see the game you would understand why it ended up a generous score.
Right from the first minute we set about their big pack by knocking them back in every tackle and keeping them in their half of the field aided by a strong wind behind us in the first half.  We used the conditions to our advantage and played the majority of the first half in their 22.
By the time half time came we were well in control with a handsome 17-0 lead having played some very commanding rugby. But you could see it in their actions early on in the second half that they thought the wind was going to even the game up and we would struggle to get out of our half, but that was not the case we dominated possession once again and took the game to London Welsh giving them no time or space when they were in possession of the ball.
This is not to say it was an easy game, because it wasn't it was just that our boys were right up for this and were in a very good place mentally prior to kick off and for the first time this year we went out and put an 80 minute performance together culminating in a length of the field try in the final minute of the game, evidence that all the extra fitness we are doing is paying off.
The mood after the game was very good and going forward to Sedgely Park this weekend we are feeling really confident in our gameplan as a team and confident in ourselves as rugby players.
This weekend won't be as easy as people will perceive this fixture to be, having got a real hiding down at Exeter last weekend their coach Tim Fourie will be giving them hell this week in training and will be looking for a big reaction from his players this week against us so we will have to have a big start and try and get them to have the "here we go again" thoughts running through their heads!!
Please try and make the short trip over the Pennines where I guarantee it will be sunny to give the boys a cheer on!!
All the best
Rawly.

Don't forget you can support Rob throughout his testimonial, with a number of events planned during the season.  The next event which has been organised by his testimonial committee is the Christmas Party, Thursday 18th December, 2008, Premier Suite, Headingley Carnegie Stadium.  To book your tickets contact the sales team 0113 203 3222.