Burntwood 32 Bishops Castle & O.V. 0
Midlands 4 West North

Reasons to be cheerful: 1) Burntwood christened their new playing strip (sponsored by Crown Cutting Services) with a much-needed win; 2) they leap-frogged the visitors in the league table; and 3) it was their first home win of the season so there was plenty to celebrate at the club’s Annual Dinner which was held later in the evening at St. Matthew’s Social Club.
Two tries in the last 10 minutes put a gloss on the scoreline although in truth the visitors rarely threatened the home line.
Graham Shelley’s men made a good start to the match, winning second phase ball to move into the opposition 22. It was the skipper’s steal and charge from a line out which earned a penalty for Craig Seedhouse to put his side ahead after 9 minutes.
They were close to their first try 3 minutes later but Martyn Smith’s run to the line was brought back for a forward pass earlier in the move. Instead they had to make do with a second Seedhouse penalty following forceful play by Matt Watkins and Beau Hildick.
Burntwood’s return kick from the restart was fumbled to put the home side right back on the attack. Sam Wanty’s follow-up play forced a line out 10 metres out. After the forwards drove the ball up, the backs received possession. Steve Blockley’s half break found Rob England in support and he off-loaded to Matt Bray who scored. Seedhouse converted.
The half ended with Burntwood 13 points up having spent all 40 minutes in the Bishops Castle half and the pattern of play continued after the turnaround.
A charged down kick was recovered and the ball was moved out to the right where prop forward Smith timed his pass perfectly to hooker Andy Dodd who crossed for a rare try.

Andy Dodd completed front row try

Strong runs from deep by England and Bray kept Burntwood on the offensive but on both occasions they turned the ball over in promising positions.
After an hour Bishops Castle finally set up an attacking platform in the home 22 and sucked the home pack into a dogfight which was eventually relieved by England’s break out and Seedhouse’s well-judged kick to the corner.
From the ensuing line out the forwards drove and skipper Shelley touched down. Seedhouse converted from the touchline.
In the last minute good handling again carried play into the visitors’ 22 to force a scrum. No.8 Watkins picked up, broke a tackle and went in from 20 metres for a well deserved try. Seedhouse’s conversion was a formality.
Bray almost added to the tally from the restart. He broke through midfield and was almost away in a mazy run but a last ditch tap tackle brought him down.

Burntwood 2nds were involved in the proverbial game of 2 halves away to Veseyans 2nds. They led 17-3 at the break but sustained 3 injuries in the second period which allowed the home side an advantage which they made the most of to the tune of 38 more points.
Chris Brooks scored Burntwood’s first try – his pace proving too much for the home defence from halfway. Lee Evans scored the second, breaking from the Veseyans’ 22 to go in under the posts. Skipper Martin Ottey converted both tries and added a penalty just before half time before it all went wrong for his side.
 

Burntwood Veterans hosted Wednesbury Vets although the visitors arrived under strength. With the generous loan of several players an enjoyable game ensued which the home side won 22-19.
Paul Lloyd (2), Mark Fisher and Paul Lee were the try scorers for Dave Griffin’s side with a conversion added by Mark Willson.


 

SAXON LOCKSMITHS

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