Burntwood 13 Handsworth 0
Midlands 3 West North

Burntwood retained 2nd place in the league table after their 5th league and cup win on the trot but their performance slipped below the high standards they have set themselves in recent weeks. Handsworth had little to offer in terms of attacking play but they were successful in slowing down and disrupting home possession.
A largely forgettable first half produced only one score. Outside half Matt Wood was off target with his first two penalty kicks at goal but with his third attempt he put his side 3 points up. He tried to get Burntwood moving by varying his options but the whole side lacked continuity.
The one bright spot of a poor game came after an hour. Another penalty was awarded to Burntwood and the option was to kick towards the corner which brought a line out well inside the visitors’ 22.
Hooker Andy Dodd caught the Handsworth defence out with a quick throw in to Amrit Derry and he was over the line before the visitors could react. Wood converted and also added another penalty goal to secure the win for the hosts.
When the Burntwood defence was tested they did so impressively. Their set piece play was solid and the line out was boosted still further when skipper Graham Shelley came on as a second half replacement.
In the backs, Wood did his best with the slow ball which came his way and Ben Holt never put a foot wrong at full back.

The Development XV also failed to fire on all cylinders but still returned from their Merit Table fixture away to Handsworth 2nds with a 43-22 victory. It would have been an even more handsome win but for a slack last 10 minutes which saw the hosts score 17 points.
An early try by Jon Pucci should have settled the visitors but despite playing down the slope the action was to and fro. However, further tries by John Haire and Chris Edwards plus 3 conversions by the latter gave Burntwood a 21-5 lead at half time, Handsworth’s try having come midway through the half.
The visitors seemed to play better up the slope and built a match-winning lead courtesy of 2 tries by Adam Smith, one from Chris Preston and 2 conversions and a penalty by Edwards.
It was just as well they were well ahead as they switched off in the last 10 minutes and Handsworth took advantage to run in 3 tries, converting once.

To complete a good afternoon for the club in terms of results, the 3rds travelled to face St. Leonards 2nds and won their Merit Table fixture 32-26. With an average age of close to 40 facing opponents who were nearer to 25, playing on a big pitch at Staffordshire University was not ideal but the old boys dug deep to clinch the win with a late try.
Burntwood scored in the 1st minute. Matt Cummins regathered Craig Addy’s kick off to set the backs in motion. The ball reached Simon Ptolomey and he was quickly over the try line.
Burntwood dominated the opening 15 minutes but without further reward. This looked like proving costly when St. Leonards got into the game and scored 2 well-worked tries and a conversion to lead 12-5.
The visitors managed to level the scores at the break with a try from Matt Bray and conversion by Addy.
For the opening 20 minutes of the second period the Burntwood forwards were in control of the set pieces and provided plenty of possession for the backs. James Hemingfield and Matt Cummins went in for tries, Addy kicked a penalty and the game seemed won.
Back came the Saints and 2 converted tries, the 2nd coming 6 minutes from time, saw them inch ahead 26-25.
With just 2 minutes left a spirited finale by Paul Rogers’ side led to a great match-winning try by Paul Lee after the ball had flowed down the back line. Addy converted.
Saints had one last attack which was held out close to the visitors’ line to secure the Merit points for Burntwood.

Willenhall U14s V BRUFC U14s.

Poor handling from BRUFC allowed Willenhall to take an early 5 point lead which was soon made 12 with a try and conversion.
Although most of the play was in the Burntwood half Rory Newall pulled back 5 points with a good run through the middle just on half time.
A dubious looking try was given to Willenhall early in the second half with a fourth added following a lot of pressure on Burntwood.
Once again Liam Smith used speed and strength to get a second Burntwood try two minutes before full time.
Last season saw Burntwood take three victories from Willenhall but you cannot live on past results
Willenhall 22 BRUFC 10.
 

This Saturday Burntwood face Leek with the 1sts (league) and 3rds away and the Development XV at home.
On Sunday morning the U15s are at home to Lichfield, the U14s are at Longton and the U13s welcome Burton – all league fixtures.

Burntwood host their Patrons’ Day on Saturday, 14th November. There is a buffet lunch at 1.00pm for Patrons and guests. This is followed by the dedication of a bench in memory of Roger Francis who was Burntwood’s first ever 1st team captain. Burntwood then play Moseley Oak in a league game and live band The 2 Tonics provide the entertainment in the clubhouse in the evening.