Burntwood 11 Newcastle (Staffs) 19
Midlands 4 West North
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Burntwood’s 3 match winning streak came to an abrupt halt after a lacklustre performance against their visitors from North Staffs. In what was a tetchy encounter Newcastle were quicker in thought and deed to claim the points.
Graham Shelley’s men are yet to win at home this season, their 4 wins all coming on their travels, but they will hope to put the record straight this Saturday when they play their re-arranged fixture with Bishops Castle.
Each side scored a penalty goal within the first 5 minutes, Newcastle first for handling on the ground and then Steve Blockley after Burntwood had a visitors’ scrum in dissaray.
It needed a try-saving tackle by full back Matt Bray 4 minutes later to stop the Newcastle number 4 scoring after he was put through a huge gap in midfield. However, the ball was retained to force a penalty which was converted for 6-3.
The set scrummages were going Burntwood’s way and at the 3rd time of asking Matt Watkins touched down for a pushover try on 20 minutes to put his side ahead for the only time of the afternoon.
They were infront for 12 minutes and looking in control in the forward exchanges but a loose pass in the backs was seized on by the visitors. They moved left then right for their replacement winger to score with his first touch of the ball.
At this point Andy Macey was forced off with a leg injury to be replaced by Marc Bailey.
Newcastle remained on top until the half time whistle and it needed another Bray tackle to prevent them from extending their lead.
A kick and chase to the home line kept the visitors on the front foot at the beginning of the second period. Referee Tom Franks sin binned a flanker from each side as the exchanges became heated.
During their absence Newcastle scored the second crucial try and it came from another mistake by the hosts. They tried to run out of their own half but had a pass intercepted for a touch down near the corner flag.
Eddie Saunders and Ritchie England replaced Mark Bourne and Chris Smith respectively but it was Newcastle who edged further infront with a penalty given for a late tackle.
Blockley gave his side hope with his second penalty 17 minutes from time. His side mounted their best attack in the last 5 minutes but it ended with a fumble out wide in a promising position which just about summed up Burntwood’s frustrating afternoon.

Burntwood 1st XV vs Newcastle 1st XV 10/11/07 photos

There was little joy for Burntwood seconds either. They fielded something of a makeshift set of backs away to Newcastle and then suffered 2 injuries on their way to a 46-10 defeat.
The home side used the ball well and despite some heroic tackling by the likes of Dave Peplow, Amrit Derry and Chris Besant they pulled well clear especially once Peplow and Carl Milward were forced off the field.
One bright spot for the twos was the performance of newcomer Chris Brooks who looks a real find. He scored both of Burntwood’s tries – the first by sprinting round his opposite number and the second by outpacing the home defence to retrieve his own chip ahead.

It was left to the 3rds to give the club a win to celebrate as they overcame Wheaton Aston 2nds 39-10 in a very enjoyable game at The Sportsway.
The tries went to Phil Powell, Martin Powis, Paul Lloyd (2), Ade Williams, Mark Fisher and Mark Willson. Willson also added 2 conversions. The visitors scored a try in each half.
The win was based around a formidable pack performance, particularly the immovable front row of Bobby Proud, Dave Griffin and Andy Benton.

After their debacle away to Lichfield a week earlier, Burntwood U17s turned in a much improved performance at Willenhall even though they lost yet again to their bogey team, the margin being 15-6.
Despite fielding a makeshift front row against big opponents, the result hung in the balance until the final whistle. Matt Wood had opened the scoring with a penalty after an evenly-fought first quarter.
Willenhall went ahead with a converted try close to half time but Wood’s second penalty narrowed the deficit to one point.
A harshly awarded penalty saw the home side move further ahead and then they sealed the win with a try from a pick up and drive over in the corner.
Russell Lingwood impressed for Burntwood on his return from injury.

This Saturday Burntwood face Bishops Castle at home. The 2nds host Veseyans and the 3rds are also scheduled to be at home to Wednesbury Vets. The club’s Annual Dinner takes place in the evening at St. Matthews Social Club with Jeff Probyn as the guest speaker.
On Sunday morning the U17s play Burton (H), the U15s face Stoke (H), the U14s are away to Kenilworth and the U13s host Spartans.

 

SAXON LOCKSMITHS

01543 423299

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