Burntwood 17 Leek 3
Burntwood overcame a youthful Leek line-up
with a converted try in each half plus a drop goal from Craig Seedhouse.
A keenly-fought contest was just what they wanted in preparation for
this Sunday’s Staffs Intermediate Cup Final against Willenhall at
Walsall RFC.
The
match also provided a run out for skipper Graham Shelley who has been
sidelined for 2 months. He was soon in the heat of the action although
he came off before the end with a shoulder injury. However, he should be
fit for the final.
It was Shelley who almost broke the deadlock after 24 minutes, taking a
tapped penalty and surging into the Leek 22. The attack moved left then
right but Seedhouse’s chip to the corner was just out of reach.
A sustained attack in the visitors’ 22 on the half hour mark was
rewarded with a try for Mark Partridge. The pack retained the ball well
from a series of pick and drives to allow the lock forward to stretch
over. Seedhouse converted.
Leek hit back with a penalty from 25 metres 4 minutes later but
Burntwood should have gone further infront just before half time. They
turned defence into attack with John Haire and Matt Bray combining to
send winger Chris Smith on a run into the Leek 22. Support arrived with
Shelley and Partridge both held up under the posts.
Ten minutes into the second period Bray made a fine break before
unselfishly feeding Eddie Saunders who beat the last defender to score.
Seedhouse added a fine conversion.
Five minutes later Seedhouse slotted his drop goal for what proved to be
the final score. Replacements Simon Edwards, Antony Cadman, Gareth Wedge
and Amrit Derry all got a taste of the action and it was the latter who
almost rounded off the afternoon with a last minute try but he was
halted just short of the line.
Burntwood’s defence was the best feature of their performance with the
back row of Tom Restall, Dave Peplow and Lloyd Shelley getting through a
prodigious amount of work whilst Steve Blockley shored up the midfield.
Burntwood will hope to have a full squad to choose from for the cup
final clash on Sunday although there are doubts over Martyn Smith and
Rob England. The final forms part of the Staffordshire President’s Day
with the Owen Cup Final and Merit Table presentations preceding the
Intermediate Final which kicks off at 3.00pm.
Burntwood will be providing coach travel to Walsall for players,
officials and supporters. All support will be welcome as Burntwood seek
to win the trophy they last held just 2 years ago. Willenhall are the
current holders. Supporters wishing to travel by coach should contact
the clubhouse for further details.
