On a day when the top half of the table racked up some big scores against the bottom half of the table, Burntwood RUFC were involved in the closest fixture – but they went tryless for the first time this season to slip into the lower half of the standings.
The margin of victory looks close but the visitors were mainly confined to defensive duties as Edwardians dominated possession and territory throughout to remain unbeaten against Burntwood in five consecutive league games over the last three seasons.
The first ten minutes set the tone for the day as the hosts camped in the visitors’ 22 but were met with solid defence by Ben Holt’s side.
However, the pressure eventually told in the 18th minute when Edwardians went over from a catch and drive at a line out. The successful conversion made it 7-0.
Burntwood’s first venture into opposition territory came four minutes later. Luke Rookyard’s burst through centre field earned a penalty which Aza Dunet, in the absence of Will Peach, converted from 30 metres.
Edwardians’ domination of the set scrums proved to be a crucial factor in the game as the wet conditions provided plenty of opportunities for their pack to dictate play.
Burntwood survived two close range scrums near to half time but only at the expense of conceding a penalty which was goaled to take the hosts up to 10-3 at the break.
The second period followed the same pattern with Edwardians collecting the kick off, winning a penalty and kicking into the visitors’ 22. The Burntwood defence was put under intense pressure but they tackled and covered manfully.
It was not until the 65th minute that Edwardians finally scored again. The forwards paved the way before two slick passes down the short side led to an unconverted try in the left corner.
With ten minutes left Burntwood produced their best attacking spell of the game. Forwards and backs combined to take play up to the home five metre line. The ball was cleared but back they came via Rookyard’s pass to Holt on halfway.
The skipper backed his pace which has carried him to the try line regularly this season but even he was denied by a great last ditch tackle five metres out. It proved to be the nearest his side came to a try on a disappointing afternoon although Dunet kicked a penalty on 77 minutes after each side had lost a prop forward to the sin bin.
In the closing minutes Edwardians threatened to add to their lead but full back Brett Taylor relieved the pressure with a break out to his own 22.
Life doesn’t get any easier for Burntwood as they welcome unbeaten league leaders Handsworth to The Sportsway this Saturday (November 22). The 2nds travel in the opposite direction and the 3rds face Wheaton Aston (A).
Whatever the outcomes, Burntwood will be celebrating in the evening as they hold their Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening in the marquee. Guest speakers are ex-England and Leicester Tigers’ hooker George Chuter and comedian Jed Stone. Tickets are still available from the club for £35 each or a table of 10 for £300.
