Old Leamingtonians 10 Burntwood 36
Midlands Senior Vase – Round 3
Burntwood had a comfortable passage through to the next round of the
competition. They faced the worst of the weather conditions in the first
half and managed to end it in the lead then they dominated the second
period, scoring 3 tries.
For the second week running they were inspired by a player scoring a hat
trick of tries. Last week it was Matt Wood – this time it was his fellow
half back partner Ollie Whitehouse who took centre stage.
The hosts had taken a 7th minute lead with a penalty before Whitehouse
got to work. His first try was a solo effort, breaking from the base of
a scrum 45 metres out and making the line. Wood converted to put his
side 7-3 up after 13 minutes.
He was over for his 2nd try 7 minutes later, nipping over from the base
of a ruck close to the home line.
The Leamingtonians’ forwards forced their way over for a try which was
converted to reduce the arrears to 2 points after 20 minutes.
However, Burntwood came back with the try of the game with 5 minutes of
the half left. Wood supported a counter attack by full back Ben Holt
from his own half to go over for the touchdown to make it 17-10 at the
turnaround.
Fifteen minutes after the restart, Matt Bray collected a loose ball and
went in under the posts for a try easily converted by Craig Seedhouse.
Ten minutes later, Whitehouse completed his hat trick from open play,
cutting through the home defensive line. Seedhouse converted.
With the tie won, there was still time for skipper Graham Shelley to
have the final say in the last minute. After scrummage possession became
a maul, Shelley found himself out in the backs and he was able to steam
in for his side’s 6th try. Seedhouse converted to wrap up a convincing
win.
Burntwood
3rds faced Willenhall 4ths at home and following a tightly-fought
contest in difficult conditions, they were pleased to finish 14-5
victors – all the points coming in the first half.
They were forced to field a makeshift front row but overcame the problem
with 2 tries by Pete Reynolds, both converted by Craig Addy. The
visitors scored their try just before the break.
This Saturday Burntwood resume league action with a trip to Newcastle
(Staffs). They will be accompanied by the 3rds whilst the Development XV
welcome Newcastle 2nds.
On Sunday morning the U17s host Tamworth, the U15s are at Newcastle and
the U13s travel to Stafford – all league fixtures.
