It ended all square as both sides battled each other and the adverse weather conditions at Stourton Park.
Jack Johnson’s side had it all to do in the second half as they turned to face the worsening wind and rain with only a two point lead and the hosts looking for their first win of the season. To their credit, they held out until the 76th minute when Stourbridge finally levelled the scores.
Burntwood needed a big lead with the elements in their favour in the first period and it looked on course when they went ahead on 14 minutes. They went through the phases to move into home territory and when possession was moved infield, Lloyd Smith-Coates broke a tackle to cross the line. Alfie Broadhurst added the conversion, Burntwood’s first for three games.
However, the next score was not until the 33rd minute as the sides dogged it out in midfield with the penalty count hindering the visitors’ momentum. From a tapped penalty of their own, they put pressure on the home line which ended with Neil Holden diving over for a try converted by Broadhurst.
The 14 point lead was slimmed down to two points in the time left of the half as Stourbridge hit back from the restart. A penalty award was tapped and moved wide and then back left for a converted try before the only flowing move of the half was finished off from close range with an unconverted try.
Burntwood’s second half task was not helped with the loss of Holden at the break with a rib injury but just eight minutes in they extended their slender lead to seven points with their third try. They progressed up the right touchline courtesy of a couple of penalty awards and then chose to tap a third award to Harry Heath who barrelled his way in for the score.
Alfie Dewsbury stole a Stourbridge line out throw-in to end the threat of a quick home response and then Billy Fisher led a break upfield supported by Aidan Barker and Seth Harper until the winger was tackled into touch.
Alex Smail secured a crucial turnover just after the hour mark as the pressure mounted. His fellow forwards repeatedly retained possession as the clock ticked down despite being pinned deep in their own half.
The hosts were held up over the line from a tapped penalty but there was no respite as the goal line drop out was partly charged down to yield another penalty award. This time the tapped penalty was successful although there was more than a hint of obstruction in the drive for the line. The easy conversion from in front of the posts brought the scores level.
Burntwood gave themselves the chance of a winning score in the little time left as they went through the phases into the home 22. Heath drove down the blind side of a ruck but the move ended in a penalty against. The hosts kicked deep into the visitors’ half but a knock-on from the ensuing line out signalled the final whistle.
Burntwood 2nds conceded a walkover to Sutton Coldfield 2nds due to player unavailability.
Burntwood colts played away to Stafford colts on Friday evening. After a battling first half which finished scoreless, the match was called off due to a home player suffering a serious injury.
This Saturday the 1st team welcome Newcastle (Staffs) whilst the 2nds are also scheduled to host Tamworth 2nds.