Burntwood 13 Harborne 7
Midlands 4 West North
Burntwood’s 6th win in their last 7
league outings was not unexpected given that they had beaten Harborne on
their own patch earlier in the season. However, they had to withstand
intense pressure in the closing 5 minutes to secure the points.
Despite the cold and wet playing conditions, Graham Shelley’s men had
the dream start with a sweetly taken try after just 3 minutes.
Good ruck ball near the left corner was moved out to the backs. Craig
Seedhouse did well to take Ian Jones’s pass then feed Rob England. He
broke between the centres before unselfishly passing to Matt Bray who
went in for a superb score near the posts. Seedhouse’s conversion was a
formality.
Burntwood stayed on top with Lloyd Shelley scavenging to good effect in
the loose. Scrum half Jones had the visitors’ defence in trouble with a
box kick and when they went offside trying to recover possession
Seedhouse converted the penalty on 17 minutes.
Harborne tested the home defence for a spell but when they were
penalised Seedhouse cleared to halfway and then kicked a fine penalty
goal from 40 metres for 13-0 before the half hour mark.
The home side threatened a 2nd try close to the break but a chip ahead
was returned by the Harborne full back deep into home territory. Last
man Bray obstructed him as he kicked ahead and was sent to the sin bin.
When Bray returned in the second period he made amends with a fine
tackle to force the Harborne left winger into touch. However, the
balance of play swung the visitors’ way and they should have scored just
5 minutes after the restart. With the line at his mercy, the right
winger knocked the ball on.
Harborne also missed with their first penalty kick at goal after 52
minutes but 2 minutes later they were back in the game with a converted
try.
It came from a penalty award to Burntwood. They tried to move the ball
along the backs near halfway but a dropped pass was hacked on by centre
Mark Wright who scored near the posts and then he added the conversion.
Burntwood went close to sealing the game after an hour but pressure in
the visitors’ 5 metre area went unrewarded and with 5 minutes left they
found themselves pinned in their own 5 metre zone for scrum after scrum.
At the 4th time of asking they managed to wheel the scrum and clear to
midfield, thankful to hear the final whistle.
Burntwood 2nds hosted Burton 3rds with a young pack of forwards who did
well against bigger, more experienced opponents. The visitors won 11-0
but the home line-up gave a good account of themselves which bodes well
for the future.
It took Burton over 30 minutes to open their account, kicking a penalty
after 32 minutes. Martin Ottey was off target with when he had the
chance to level the scores before the break.
For the second half Burntwood brought on John Haire, who was making his
return from 6 months out with injury, and Rob Bowdley. Andy Macey’s side
had a good spell of pressure but failed to trouble the scorers.
Burton’s first attack yielded a second penalty and they sealed their win
with a try in the corner towards the end.
Tom Restall was the stand out performer for Burntwood. Along with
Bowdley, he put in sterling work in defence.
There was no joy for Burntwood 3rds either. They also lost at the hands
of Burton, going down 17-3 away to their Veterans’ side.
Burton had the advantage up front but naïve defending contributed to
Burton’s 3 tries. Burntwood’s points came from a penalty by Adam Ansell.
Bobby Proud impressed in the forward battle, Nick West did well to spoil
home possession and Matt Hoare was the pick of the backs.
SAXON LOCKSMITHS
01543 423299
For Advertising Options Click Here