Hi Guys,

Rugby date 24/4/10 away against Bae Warton score 6-38

Mighty thirds win at Warton

The thirds took to the field knowing only a win do, with a heavy pack we took it straight to Warton. The scrum working well with the addition of Barclay Roberts at loose head, we hope to see a lot more of Barclay next season. But teamed with Rousie a tight head the front row was like a solid corner of England, impenetrable and rock solid. Warton were pushed off the first 2 scrums of the game as the Burn pack showed its dominance in the set piece, however a neck injury to Warton loose head Rob saw the game reduced to uncontested scrums with Rob taking a early exit. Despite the mighty forward effort it was Warton who had the most territory in this period, as they threw wave after wave of attack at us. But some superb tackling from the Burn players managed to hold them at bay, even though they piled the pressure on.

It was Warton who opened the scoring first though, when number 8 Paul Cockram stumbled leaving his leg hanging and the referee deeming he had attempted to trip the Warton player. Captain Carlos argued his case with the ref but once his decision was given it was final, P.C looking sheepish

Warton taking 3 points from the kick, Burn realised they were in a game both sides wanted to win. And from the restart put their own pressure on the Warton side . With winger Marc Grimes going over in the corner to open Burns account, stand off Eddy Holden narrowly missing the conversion. Roused with this effort Burn started to show their dominance, at the set piece and the break down. Driving in hard at the ruck and the maul, Burn trundling the ball forward some 30 meters in one thunderous maul. With the pressure coming on Warton it was their turn to start giving away penalties, Burn using a set move on a couple of occasions resulting in the rejuvenated Richard Bradford going over next to the up rites after selling on his legendary dummies. Eddy slotting the extras with ease this time, the score 3-12 at half time.

As the second half kicked off it was Warton once again who took the early impetus, with a penalty needless given away in front of the posts. Wartons kicker slotting the 3 pointer with simple effort. But Burn where soon pileing the pressure back on with some excellent line out work from Dr Mike Doherty, leaping like a salmon in the middle of the line. Hooker Carlos find his target and a quick ball of the top sending Burns Backline cutting Warton to bits, and center Joe Holden crossing the white wash. Burns backs teaming up well again and again with Dave O'Sullivan crashing through and making ground time and time again. Not wanting to be out done The forwards also piled on the pressure with number 8 P .C . going over from a scrum five yards out the joy of finally scoring his first try of the season showing on his face.

Young center Joe Holden then gaining his second yellow card of the season, this one for stamping on a players behind. Gave Warton a bit of hope as Burn where down to 14 men, but Burn now running the changes managed to thwart the home teams efforts and put the pressure back on. Scott Foster also enjoying his new lease of life in the forwards having a super game once again taking a knock to the head, but the old stagier keeping his cool and still putting in the big hits. Burn where soon threatening again when Joe came back from the sin bin, just in time to link up with brother Ed and his old man Mike now having a run out for fullback Jim Coleman, giving the scoring pass to his dad for Mike to score, Eddy adding the extras again. The team all cried Holden to Holden to Holden score, then substitution of Mike. With the final whistle looming Burn kept the pressure on pinning Warton deep in their twenty two, while trying to clear their lines Mike Doherty doing what all good open side flankers do charged down the kick and scored the final Burn try.

A fantastic afternoon of rugby played hard and in the true spirit of the game, against a really good Warton outfit we look forward to meeting them again next season. I would also like to thank all the players that made the journey to Warton, and all the supporters. It was a great day out for the Burn third team finished off with a good old drinky. But the job is not yet finished with Wednesdays away fixture at Kirby Lonsdale, this is a game we must play the result doesn't matter. But a win would be nice. We have to play as a cry off would see us out of the league, and that would be a catastrophe after a fine season of hard games. So please could all available players let myself or P.G. know their availability as soon as possible thanks. Also the players dinner is set for the 7th of May please let me know if you intend to go, then i can make sure there is enough places booked. I would like also to thank Keith Walmesley for the excellent photos and appoint him as the third team photographer for next season.

Regards Carlos (captain).