Change of opponent fails to hamper Graham Shelley's men

Sep 4 2008

Burntwood's planned trial match away to Wolverhampton was cancelled when the hosts found themselves otherwise engaged.

Instead, at late notice, they made a second trip to Cooke Fields, Lichfield inside 10 days, this time to face a combined 2nds/3rds.

The venture proved profitable with Graham Shelley's men scoring eight tries and conceding none.

Last season Burntwood found try scoring difficult and so this outing gave a welcome boost to their confidence ahead of a difficult EDF Energy Senior Vase tie away to Bedworth who were relegated from Midlands 3 West South in the last campaign.

There was a refreshing continuity about the visitors' play with possession won quickly at the breakdown and good options taken by backs and forwards alike to move the ball.

Scrum half Ian Jones crossed the try line twice including one burst from halfway which took him all the way. Lloyd Shelley's constant support play was also rewarded with two tries.

The other scores came from new prop Dan Bratton, winger James Langford, back rower Matt Watkins and outside half Craig Seedhouse who also helped himself to a drop goal and several conversions.

Whilst the forwards impressed in the loose, they will probably need a more forceful showing in the set pieces when they travel to Bedworth.

The only downside was a knee injury suffered by prop Marc Bailey late on.

In the backs, the new centre pairing of Matt Sishton and Rob Bowdler combined well in defence and attack whilst Johnny Haire was in fine form at full back.

Burntwood also sent a squad of 30 to take on Barton-under-Needwood, newly promoted to Midlands 5 West North.

After a scoreless first quarter, the hosts recorded a try in each of the remaining 3 sessions to emerge victors.

However, for most of the Burntwood squad it was their first outing and it provided valuable match practise as all players saw action although this hindered cohesion in their play.

New back row forward Alex Reffel put in an eyecatching performance whilst old warhorse Andy Dodd impressed in a battling all-round performance.

There is coach travel to Bedworth this Saturday, leaving the clubhouse at 1pm. The Development side are away to Aldridge and the 3rds host Cannock 2nds. All kick offs are 3pm. The planned colts match v Nuneaton has been postponed.