Burntwood Development XV shared the spoils at home to Newcastle 2nds 17-17 – although Burntwood players scored the majority of the points.
The visitors arrived short of players and loaned three from the home side, one of whom scored two first half tries to help Newcastle to a 14-5 lead.
Despite playing uncontested scrums from the start, the game proved very competitive in all other respects.
Hal was the double try scorer, both converted, before John Bromwich took a pass from skipper Andy Dodd to get Burntwood off the mark before the break.
In the second half James Langford’s try and a conversion by Liam Lloyd narrowed the deficit to 2 points then Danny Lake scored a well-taken try to put his side ahead. Newcastle levelled with a penalty.
Burntwood had two chances to clinch it but Lloyd’s penalty attempt was off target and then Simon Edwards had a last minute touchdown ruled out after intense pressure on the visitors’ line.
John Haire controlled matters impressively at outside half and Anthony Cadman gave another eye-catching performance at full back.
This Saturday (November 5), the Development side are away to Stafford 3rds.