Six tries scored by six different try scorers keep Burntwood RUFC as the early pace-setters in Midlands 3 West North.
Will Peach added all the conversions against Yardley & District, half of them from touchline kicks, plus a penalty goal to help maintain his side’s impressive start to the season.
Not only the try count but also the yellow card count went against the visitors who received three to the home side’s one, Danny Poole picking up Burntwood’s first of the season in the second half.
The first card was issued after just seven minutes when a visiting three quarter was harshly adjudged to have deliberately knocked on. During his absence the hosts took the lead with a penalty from Peach on 16 minutes, having been short with another attempt three minutes earlier.
The home three quarters eased their way into the game, James Langford going closest to a try after 20 minutes, but the first touchdown came via the forwards. Peach’s neat grub kick put them in good position in the visitors’ 22. Jack Neale stole the line out and popped the ball to Dave Yardley who scored from close range after 23 minutes.
Each side missed long range penalty attempts before a second Yardley player was sin binned on the half hour. Peach again put his side into the visitors’ 22 with the touch finder. Line out possession was sent out to the left for Ben Holt to go close then fast hands back right saw Matt Sishton score in the right corner. Peach’s excellent conversion made it 17-0 and the hosts looked set for a comfortable win.
However, Yardley hit back with a sustained spell of pressure. Lock Ian Mapp rescued one situation near the clubhouse corner but the visitors eventually squeezed over in the opposite corner to open their account.
The next try, five minutes into the second period, was all the work of the forwards. They combined to drive into the visitors’ 22. Graham Shelley and Neale both drove for the line before hooker Poole stretched over for a try under the posts.
Ten minutes later try scorer Poole turned provider. A strong run towards the left corner dragged the defence across so that when he passed back inside it was dad Mark Poole who was in support to score.
Yardley miscued a kickable penalty before Poole saw yellow on 56 minutes followed three minutes later by a Yardley player. While they were off, Langford extended Burntwood’s lead with a try in the right corner, the result of slick passing along the backs.
The visitors went over from a close range tapped penalty with ten minutes left, a score which won’t have pleased the coaching staff, but the final home try put the smile back on their faces.
Peach again found a good touch kick to relieve Yardley pressure. The line out ball was moved to Langford who ran strongly down the right wing. When he was closed down, possession was moved back across field for D. Poole to time a superb pass for Nick Peplow to run in unopposed. Peach’s final conversion provided the conclusion to the contest.
Burntwood A XV also top their competition with three wins from three merit table fixtures, the latest by 59-0 at home to Telford Hornets 2nds.
It took the hosts 15 minutes to register their first score. Good forward play allowed scrum half Rob Jones to pop the ball to flanker Matt Ford who went over for the try. Anthony Morgan converted.
This opened the floodgates with four more tries scored before the break by Zak Shingler, Ben Tranter (2) and Chris Smith with Morgan adding three more conversions.
Not surprisingly, the second period began more slowly as Telford kept possession in their forwards to work the ball through centre field. However, the home side’s defence was as impressive as their attack to keep the visitors’ scoreless and eventually turn the tide.
Skipper Dave Ward picked up from the back of a ruck and side stepped two defenders before slipping the ball to Liam Smith who scored his first senior try.
This proved to be a turning point as three tries followed in quick succession. Elliot Woolley showed his fine turn of pace by racing away for two of them before Joe Cowling went over for the final score. Morgan added three of the four conversions.
Burntwood Development Squad were also in free scoring mood despite finalising their line up late on away to St Leonards 2nds. They returned with a 74-3 win in this club fixture.
Burntwood are at home again this Saturday (October 12) when they welcome Eccleshall to The Sportsway for a M3WN fixture kicking off at 3pm. The A XV are away to Lichfield 3rds and the Development XV host Bloxwich 2nds, both being merit table fixtures.
A week later Burntwood have been drawn at home to Kings Norton in the Second Round of the RFU Senior Vase competition.
