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# Match report: Burntwood RUFC 10 Stoke on Trent RUFC 62
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/match-report-burntwood-rufc-10-stoke-on-trent-rufc-62/
- Published: 2011-12-06T10:30:20.000Z
- Updated: 2011-12-05T14:15:32.000Z
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 21:41

[![Action from Burntwood RUFC v Stoke-on-Trent RUFC. Pic: Joanne Gough](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2011_1203stoke0031.jpg "Action from Burntwood RUFC v Stoke-on-Trent RUFC. Pic: Joanne Gough")](//lichfieldlive.co.uk/2011/12/06/in-pictures-burntwood-rufc-v-stoke-on-trent-rufc/2011%5F1203stoke0031/)

Action from Burntwood RUFC v Stoke-on-Trent RUFC. Pic: Joanne Gough

Despite the defeat, it was not an unexpected result for Burntwood RUFC given that Stoke-on-Trent are flying at the top of the table with bonus point wins in every game.

The balance of play was more even than the scoreline suggests but the handling, running lines and pace of the Stoke back division proved to be the difference.

While the visitors scored 31 points in each half, at least Graham Shelley’s men managed to score more points against them than most Stoke opponents have done so far this season.

Burntwood elected to face the wind and low sun in the first half and were soon given a taste of what was to come with three minutes gone, albeit from their own wayward kick to touch. It set the visitors’ backs in motion and good handling from left to right saw the appropriately named Sam Christmas touch down wide out.

The hosts took play into the Stoke half for the next 15 minutes to earn a penalty opportunity for Steve Blockley but his kick sailed left of the target against the wind. Then centre Craig Seedhouse made a half break but lost control of the ball and Stoke cleared to halfway.

This encouraging start for Burntwood was blown away by 14 points for the visitors inside two minutes. They lost control of their own line out possession which allowed Christmas to provide a slick pass to Simon Price who went in under the posts. Then, directly from the restart, a superb move down the right touchline was finished off under the posts again.

A period of feisty play followed from both sides with Stoke already pressing for a bonus point try. Luke Briggs did well to tackle their left winger in the clubhouse corner but a good drive by a lock forward made it 24-0 after just 26 minutes.

[![Action from Burntwood RUFC v Stoke-on-Trent RUFC. Pic: Joanne Gough](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2011_1203stoke0008.jpg "Action from Burntwood RUFC v Stoke-on-Trent RUFC. Pic: Joanne Gough")](//lichfieldlive.co.uk/2011/12/06/in-pictures-burntwood-rufc-v-stoke-on-trent-rufc/2011%5F1203stoke0008/)

Action from Burntwood RUFC v Stoke-on-Trent RUFC. Pic: Joanne Gough

Good ball retention by the home pack moved play into the Stoke half but any mistakes were seized on to put them back in trouble. Blockley made two excellent tackles to deny tries but the pressure told again five minutes from the break with a converted try from close range.

Blockley kicked a fine penalty goal four minutes into the second period to get his side off the mark but this was quickly negated three minutes later when a counter attack, initiated by the Stoke scrum half, ended with a try for the full back in the left corner.

Briggs put in another try-saving tackle but it only denied the inevitable when Stoke were in again close to the hour mark. An excellent conversion made it 43-3.

At least there was something for the home support to cheer 7 minutes later. A sustained pick and drive attack led to a scrum 5 metres out from the Stoke try line. Skipper Shelley popped the ball up for scrum half Ian Jones to touch down and Blockley to convert.

Another burst of 14 points in 2 minutes took the visitors past the half century. First, the No. 8 crossed following a good move off the back of a scrum. Then from the restart the Stoke backs showed their class for another try under the posts. They completed their tally with a catch and drive try from a line out five minutes from time.

This Saturday (December 10) Burntwood continue their quest for league points with a trip to face Edgbaston Dixonians – kick off 2.15 pm. The 2nds and 3rds are TBA.