Burntwood RUFC completed their successful league campaign with their second bonus point win in four days.
Again, it wasn’t easy. They had to come from behind to do it but they eventually sealed their first league title for nine seasons by six points.
They had opened the contest in promising fashion but when a pass didn’t go to hand after 10 minutes the hosts broke away from midfield to work a two on one for a try by the posts. The conversion was added for a seven point lead.
The visitors responded well. John Haire’s burst into Eccleshall territory led to a home infringement. Matt Wood kicked for the corner and when Eccleshall infringed again, skipper Graham Shelley opted for a five metre scrum. The ball was worked into midfield and then back again for Lloyd Shelley to cross the line wide out within five minutes of his side falling behind. The missed conversion still left Burntwood two points behind.
It should have been three more direct from the restart but a penalty goal attempt was snatched left when it looked easier to score. However, with 25 minutes gone, Eccleshall did extend their lead and it came from another Burntwood error. A loose pass on half way allowed the hosts to hack downfield and touch down for a converted try.
The home side were keen to put one over the table-toppers and enjoyed the majority of territory and possession for the next ten minutes. Tom Restall, who had already put in some sterling defensive work, went off with an injury to be replaced by Jack Neale.
It needed a good run and pass by Halil Gozukucuk to turn the tide. Wood kicked through and when he was held back Shelley went for the scrum option again. The hosts infringed twice and conceded a penalty try which Wood converted on the stroke of half time.
Five minutes into the second period the visitors finally took the lead. A high tackle on Mitch Adams allowed Wood to put his side deep into the home 22. The line out possession was moved out to the backs and Eccleshall infringed again. It not only cost them three points via Wood’s kick but they also lost the first of three players to the sin bin.
There was no addition to the score during his absence. In fact, it needed solid tackles by Craig Seedhouse and Wood on either wing to deny try-scoring opportunities for the hosts.
No sooner had the first carded player returned to action than he was replaced by another. This time Burntwood did take advantage. Good work by Seedhouse, Shelley, Holt and Adams set the forwards driving for the line. From the ensuing scrum, Graham Shelley’s pushover try was almost a formality with the hosts down a man.
Tony Davies came off the bench for the last ten minutes. As the clock wound down, Burntwood looked the most likely to score, especially when Eccleshall lost another player to the bin close to full time. The penalty award was kicked to the corner. Amrit Derry took possession and the catch and drive was fittingly completed by skipper Shelley for the bonus point try. Wood added a superb conversion to round off the league season.
This was Burntwood’s ninth league and cup win on the trot through March and April. They will hope to make it a perfect ten by completing a league and cup double when they face Tamworth in the final of the Staffs Intermediate Cup at Lichfield RUFC this Sunday (May 8) – kick off 3.15 pm.
Tamworth finished comfortably in mid-table in the league above Burntwood so the holders know they will have their work cut out to retain the trophy.
It is SRU President’s Day at Lichfield and the action begins with the County Colts Cup Final at 11.30. This is followed by the Owen Cup Final between Barton under Needwood and Cannock prior to the Intermediate Final. Burntwood have a coach available for spectators, leaving the club at 1.30 pm – cost £5 each. Contact Andy Macey or the clubhouse for more details.
On Saturday Burntwood Veterans are meeting at the clubhouse at 7am to leave for the Old Newtonians Vets Tournament in Leicestershire. They will return via Lichfield on the Sunday.
Burntwood hold their AGM on May 11 in their Sportsway clubhouse starting at 7pm. Two days later they hold their Players’ Annual Presentation Dinner, again in the clubhouse, starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available via Andy Macey.
