Deprived of key players in both forwards and backs, Burntwood RUFC were always going to be up against it at Leek and so it proved.
The hosts gained ample revenge for a Staffs Cup defeat on the opening day of the season at The Sportsway with a seven try win.
Although the visitors’ duties were largely confined to defence, they had their moments in attack but lacked a cutting edge to make the try line.
Leek missed a guilt-edged chance by knocking on with the line at their mercy after just two minutes but it mattered little as they opened the scoring three minutes later. The ball ran loose from a Burntwood scrum and the hosts moved it along their backs for a try in the left corner. A fine conversion made it 7-0.
The visitors hit back with the help of two penalty awards going their way. From the second, Lloyd Shelley, playing in the centre rather than his accustomed back row position, tapped and went. Skipper for the day Rob Cartwright was up in support to take play to the five metre line. The move led to a scrum but when the ball was moved wide the backs were penalised for holding on. A score to Burntwood then would have been a real confidence booster but it was not to be.
Leek attacked from the penalty kick downfield. They stretched the visitors right then left for another try wide out and went 12 points up after 12 minutes.
Steve Blockley had the chance to put points on the board for his side four minutes later following a high tackle on Shelley but he miscued to the left.
A loose line out by Leek in their own 22 put themselves in trouble but Shelley couldn’t take a difficult pass which allowed the home right winger to set off downfield. Good support play saw the Leek hooker score their 3rd try with 22 minutes gone.
Burntwood struggled to clear their lines. The best they could do was keep the ball tight in the forwards picking and driving but progress upfield was limited.
Leek finished the half with a spell of possession which resulted in a try under the posts, easily converted for 24-0 at the break.
Just three minutes into the second period and it was 31-0. The visitors turned the ball over in contact and the Leek inside centre was away down the touchline. The conversion went in off a post.
Burntwood re-shuffled their line-up by introducing Hal Gozukucuk and Dan Thornton from the sidelines for Tom Restall and Amrit Derry but Leek remained on top. Their pressure finally paid off with a converted try under the posts after 69 minutes.
The only blot for the home side was a yellow card for a replacement forward which became red for apparent dissent. Even then they broke away with five minutes left for their final try, the inside centre completing a second half hat trick.
Back at The Sportsway there was better news for the 3rd team as they won their Merit Table game against St Leonards 2nds 22-0.
It proved a well-contested game particularly between the forwards but the home backs had the edge. Rob England ran in two tries and there was one each for Ben Poulton and Craig Addy. Nigel Smith added one conversion.
Joe Cowling impressed in the forwards who also welcomed back Craig Prosser from injury. John Haire controlled affairs well at outside half giving the backs, including Jon Pucci and Sam Wanty, enough opportunities to show their paces.
All Burntwood fixtures are TBA this Saturday. Kick offs are now 2.15 pm. One event confirmed for Saturday is a bonfire and fireworks display beginning at 6.30pm. Members and non-members are welcome to attend.
Click below to see more of Joanne Gough’s pictures from Burntwood RUFC’s visit to Leek.
