Burntwood 6 Veseyans 3
Midlands 4 West North
Burntwood’s recent league scores are not dissimilar to tennis results.
The two previous were 6-5, 6-0 and now 6-3. Yet again it was left to two
kicks by Craig Seedhouse to clinch the points although they slip to 3rd
in the table because of their inability to score more heavily.
However, there is little wrong with their defence - they have conceded
just one try in their last 5 league games. Their start to this year’s
campaign is the complete opposite to last season, having now won 5 of
their opening 6 games.
Veseyans, featuring Samoan Zak Feaunati at No. 8, played with the strong
wind behind them in the first half and were ahead as early as the 3rd
minute with a penalty by Poulton. He had a second chance 2 minutes later
but pulled his kick left of the target.
Burntwood responded to this let-off with good, close quarter play to
take them into the opposition half. They won a penalty and then an extra
10 metres which allowed Seedhouse to level the scores with a fine kick.
Play was evenly fought in midfield up to the half hour mark, both
kickers missing with long range penalty attempts, then both sides had a
chance of registering a try before the break.
First, Seedhouse’s punt up field was well chased by Russell Lingwood to
give his side good field position in the Veseyans’ 22. They won a scrum
to feed centre Matt Sishton but he was halted by a thumping tackle and
the danger was cleared.
Then
it was the turn of the home defence to be tested in front of their own
posts. Again, the ball was turned over following a big tackle and a
series of penalty awards allowed Seedhouse to clear to near halfway.
If Burntwood thought they had played the hard half into the wind they
were mistaken. Veseyans went close from a driving maul 10 minutes into
the second period and Graham Shelley’s men found themselves unable to
get out of their own territory until the last 10 minutes.
Finally, a Seedhouse touch-finder took play into the visitors’ 22. They
won the line out and made two thrusts at the line before feeding the
ball back for Seedhouse to execute a perfectly struck drop goal.
There was a determined response by Veseyans but, with their noses in
front, the home side were solid in defence. They forced a turnover and
saw out time in the visitors’ half.
Burntwood Development side turned in a disappointing performance away to
Burton 3rds. The home side won the Merit Table game 35-20.
The side, which featured 7 colts, were over-powered by a bigger Burton
pack. They were further handicapped when outside half Antony Morgan
broke a bone in his shoulder following a heavy tackle.
Bright spots for Burntwood were 2 tries each for wingers Richard Lamb
and Adam Smith. Lamb was the best performer for Burntwood whilst Smith’s
2nd try was the highlight of the day, a fine handling move in difficult
conditions with an important contribution by Danny Smith.
Burntwood 3rds were in free-scoring mood again, this time running in 7
tries to overcome Wolverhampton 3rds 48-7 in a Merit Table match at The
Sportsway.
Leading the way was Pete Reynolds who added a hat trick of tries to his
prolific start to the season.
Burntwood were in dominant form from the beginning despite enduring
uncontested scrums from the start. Danny Lake and Anthony Cadman both
scored 2 tries apiece whilst Adam Ansell kicked 5 conversions and a
penalty.
W’ton, who rarely looked like scoring, crossed for a converted try
following an interception in the second half to conclude an enjoyable
game played in good spirit and well refereed by Ian Finch of the Staffs
Society.
This Saturday Burntwood travel to deepest Shropshire to face Bishops
Castle and Onny Valley for their next league game. The 2nds have a home
Merit Table game against Eccleshall, the 3rds are TBA, the Veterans
welcome Trentham Vets and the colts receive W’ton for a league match.
Please note - kick offs are now 2.30pm.
On Sunday morning the U15s are at Linley.
