Hi Guys,

Rugby date 23/1/10 away against Thornton & Clevelys score 19 - 5

Ouch that hurt, I only hope that some of Thornton's players are as sore as I am. A very physical game this weekend but I am proud to say, despite losing the fixture we held our own on the pitch. Both in attack, when we had chance. And in defense, which we seemed to be doing a lot off. The game got of in a low mist, but the Burn boys defended their try line magnificently for the first 25 minuets. Repelling wave after wave of determined Thornton attack, unfortunately for us the heroic tackling and resolute defencive line was crossed with Thornton going over in the corner. A difference of opinion broke out with the home sides touch judge as to what in touch meant, however the score was awarded and upheld. After a long kick restart though Thornton put together a couple of moves and where soon threatening our line again. once more some heroic tackling by Jim Coleman, Andy snape, Dave O'Sullivan and the rest of the team kept the marauding Thornton pack at bay. But it took its toll, with Jim limping off after taking a serious knock to the knee. After a re-shuffle in which Nige Gouthorpe moved up to scrum half and James Fisher into the back row. Blackburn's veteran stalwart Andy "Gooders" Goodwin came on in the second row. However the re-shuffle and arrival of new players meant a momentarily lack in defence, which Thornton took full advantage of. Crossing the line under the posts, giving a easy chance at the conversion.
The boys bounced back with a concerted attack of our own. pinning the hosts deep in their own half, with some excellent rucking work and good use of the spice ball. This giving way to a number of rampaging crash balls and some excellent work on the floor. Resulting in Andy Snape going over in the corner, unfortunately Eddy Holden narrowly missing the conversion, meant we went into half time 7 points down with the score at 12 - 5. Which didn't reflect how much hard work had already gone into the match, by ourselves. However the half was also marred with a number of silly penalties, been awarded against us. And a referee becoming rapidly incensed with some players back chatting. At this point may I remind all players that our discipline on the pitch has to be paramount, and all comments towards the referee fielded through myself as captain. After a few wizened words with the referee at the interval, the second half was a different game. In as much as we put Thornton under the cosh for the majority of the period. With Adam Olstead giving some superb scoring opportunities down the left flank. And new comer Ian pearson playing his first game for the team, as a substitute doing some fine work on the right flank. Once again though we could not make the pressure tell, and several opportunities to get back on a evan keel went begging. As the half continued more and more players seemed to be limping through the game, and rubbing some new bruises gained in this very bruising encounter. It was Thornton who broke the deadlock with a breakaway score going under the posts once again making the conversion easy. We did not give up and although very bruised and battered, fought on till the final whistle. All the lads giving every ounce of fight they had in them, and the score not really depicting the true game.
Now as for this coming weekend it seems as though, I have miss read the fixtures list and we are currently without a game. The re-arranged fixture against Ormskirk being on the 6th of February. However the 2's have a away fixture at Fylde and the first xv at home against Burnage. It would be nice to support the other teams, showing some club spirit, and I am sure that Andy Toms will be on the prowl for some players to boost the senior sides. So training will be on Tuesday night 7pm till 9pm for the very keen amongst you and as usual on Thursday night 7pm till 9pm for the rest of us mere mortals. I would like to get as good a turn out as this week past. Especially with us not having a game we need to keep as fit as possible. With that I only have left to say thanks to all concerned in the match this week, lets keep working hard and we will soon be back on winning terms.

Regards Carlos (captain).