Leek 29 Burntwood 28
Midlands 3 West North
Burntwood’s 5 match winning streak came to a controversial end away to
Leek. They slip to 3rd in the league table, joined on 10 points by the
host club.
Going into time added on, Graham Shelley’s men were 9 points clear but
in a prolonged period, Leek scored a questionable penalty try and then
clinched the win with a last second penalty to leave the North Staffs
club hardly able to believe their luck.
In truth Burntwood should have seen the game out by protecting their
lead as the full time whistle approached but their ambition to score
more points eventually cost them.
The hosts had scored first in the game. When a long range penalty by
Craig Seedhouse fell short, Leek counter attacked and went right up the
other end for a converted try. The visitors levelled the scores in fine
style when Matt Wood dummied his way into the clear and ran clean
through to the posts for a try which he converted himself.
Back came Leek to go ahead with a try only for Burntwood to work their
way back upfield. From a scrum, Ollie Whitehouse broke down the blind
side and cut in to the posts for a fine individual try, converted by
Wood.
Wood also added a penalty to extend the lead but a topsy-turvey half
ended with Leek back infront with a converted try to lead 19-17.
The lead changed hands again almost direct from the second half kick
off. Line out possession was caught and driven over the Leek line for a
try shared between Lloyd Shelley and Dave Peplow.
Two penalties by Wood seemed to have given his side a match winning lead
before the late drama.
From a line out, a Leek player went on a long diagonal run which almost
brought a try wide on the right. The referee brought play across to the
other side of the field for a penalty to Leek and when it was taken
quickly, Burntwood were accused of persistent infringement and a penalty
try was awarded to the amazement of most onlookers.
To compound the frustration of the Burntwood camp, a penalty infront of
their own posts sealed their fate in this particular game.
Burntwood Development XV’s task was made considerably tougher when
original opponents Leek 2nds called off and were replaced by Burton
2nds. The visitors proved to be well-drilled in all aspects of the game
and beat a game home team 57-0.
Burntwood tried to stem the tide but the visitors, strengthened by
several 1st team
players
working their way back from injury, were on top throughout.
This Saturday Burntwood welcome Moseley Oak to The Sportsway. The
Development XV are also at home, Linley being the visitors. The 3rds are
away to Aldridge 2nds for a Merit fixture.
On Sunday morning the U16s are at home to Warley, the U15s host Walsall,
the U14s are at W’ton and the U13s are away to Handsworth – the last 3
being league fixtures.
This Saturday is Patrons’ Day at Burntwood with a pre-match buffet at 1
o’clock followed by the dedication of a bench in memory of Roger
Francis. Following the match action there is evening entertainment
provided by live group The 2 Tonics.
