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Match report - 21st March.
Robert Forsyth23 Mar - 12:47
Burntwood fail to recover from slow start..
A slow start by Jack Johnson’s side proved costly as they went 19 points down after just 13 minutes. Try as they might after that, they lacked the creativity and accuracy to take advantage of more than their fair share of territory and possession.
A determined home side protected their early advantage as they looked to get out of the bottom three in the table and a possible relegation place but they were helped by a visiting side which fell below their usual standards.
Stourbridge went ahead in the first minute. A kick downfield was spilled and right winger Will Shillingford was gifted an easy score which James Westwood converted.
Kian Carter’s break followed by a kick and chase to the try line looked promising for Burntwood but the hosts escaped to win a penalty on halfway. A quick tap and Shiillingford was away again for his second try. Westwood’s conversion attempt rebounded off a post.
Another deep, high kick followed by a remarkable bounce on the AGP surface had Burntwood in trouble and lock forward Dylan Beech Bailey went over under the posts. Westwood’s conversion left the visitors with much to do.
However, they rose to the challenge to reduce the deficit to nine points by the break. Prompted by good breaks from Billy Fisher and Carter, they had a penalty advantage but didn’t require it as possession was moved wide for Sam Hull to cross in the right corner for an unconverted try on 15 minutes.
Burntwood went on to dominate territory for the next 20 minutes but failed to make it pay until Luke Rookyard collected messy possession at a five metre line out to roll his way over the line.
The hosts had two chances to extend their lead prior to half time but the Burntwood defence held out.
As the second half began, the next score was crucial for both teams. A goal line drop out directly into touch gave Stourbridge the opportunity from a five metre scrum and they took it with Russ Brown squeezing over for an unconverted bonus point try on 46 minutes.
Burntwood dominated territory again for a 20 minute spell but with no reward until Neil Holden, on as a half time replacement, forced his way over the try line to celebrate his return to the club after several seasons away.
The final ten minutes saw the hosts keep play in the visitors’ half as they looked to secure their five points. A penalty goal attempt went wide and then they were held up over the line to leave the scoreline unaltered until the final whistle.
There was also disappointment for Burntwood 2nds (pictured) as they went down narrowly away to Wednesbury 18-15.
Burntwood 1sts now begin a run of four home games on the trot with Spartans up first this Saturday. The 2nds are also at home as they welcome Trentham 2nds to the RCI Sportsway. The 3rd team is hoping to arrange a friendly fixture after Oswestry 2nds pulled out.
A determined home side protected their early advantage as they looked to get out of the bottom three in the table and a possible relegation place but they were helped by a visiting side which fell below their usual standards.
Stourbridge went ahead in the first minute. A kick downfield was spilled and right winger Will Shillingford was gifted an easy score which James Westwood converted.
Kian Carter’s break followed by a kick and chase to the try line looked promising for Burntwood but the hosts escaped to win a penalty on halfway. A quick tap and Shiillingford was away again for his second try. Westwood’s conversion attempt rebounded off a post.
Another deep, high kick followed by a remarkable bounce on the AGP surface had Burntwood in trouble and lock forward Dylan Beech Bailey went over under the posts. Westwood’s conversion left the visitors with much to do.
However, they rose to the challenge to reduce the deficit to nine points by the break. Prompted by good breaks from Billy Fisher and Carter, they had a penalty advantage but didn’t require it as possession was moved wide for Sam Hull to cross in the right corner for an unconverted try on 15 minutes.
Burntwood went on to dominate territory for the next 20 minutes but failed to make it pay until Luke Rookyard collected messy possession at a five metre line out to roll his way over the line.
The hosts had two chances to extend their lead prior to half time but the Burntwood defence held out.
As the second half began, the next score was crucial for both teams. A goal line drop out directly into touch gave Stourbridge the opportunity from a five metre scrum and they took it with Russ Brown squeezing over for an unconverted bonus point try on 46 minutes.
Burntwood dominated territory again for a 20 minute spell but with no reward until Neil Holden, on as a half time replacement, forced his way over the try line to celebrate his return to the club after several seasons away.
The final ten minutes saw the hosts keep play in the visitors’ half as they looked to secure their five points. A penalty goal attempt went wide and then they were held up over the line to leave the scoreline unaltered until the final whistle.
There was also disappointment for Burntwood 2nds (pictured) as they went down narrowly away to Wednesbury 18-15.
Burntwood 1sts now begin a run of four home games on the trot with Spartans up first this Saturday. The 2nds are also at home as they welcome Trentham 2nds to the RCI Sportsway. The 3rd team is hoping to arrange a friendly fixture after Oswestry 2nds pulled out.
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