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Hi Guys,

Rugby date 4/9/10 home against Wigan score 13-17

The new season kicked off with a tough game at home against old rivals Wigan, it was going to be hot on and off the pitch. With a large turn out of players I was going to have to rotate the squad as much as possible to ensure that everyone got some game time. This would help ease the effects of the humidity on this warm Indian summers day, but I also wanted to maintain a high level of competitiveness.

The game was set to kick off at 3pm but a late request from Wigan to get under way 15 minuets early was put in, we started up front as we meant to carry on with some thunderous tackles from flankers Andy Snape and Mike Doherty. With the experienced heads of John Bank and Richard Bradford at 8 and 9 we had a good platform. The early dominance of the Blackburn pack was clear for all to see, and resulted in Wigan making numerous changes to their front row. However the fast running Wigan backs were proving difficult to contain and only by some hard tackles did we manage to keep them out on several occasions, as the Blackburn pack battled their way up field with the try line looming, indiscipline at the tackle area let the visitors off the hook time and time again. We wasn't the only side caught out by the new understanding of the rules and Wigan gave 2 early penalty chances away, narrowly missed by Kaaber Henning. With half time nearing and the game locked in stale mate it was tense and thrilling but Wigan first to react to the referee penalising Blackburn where soon putting pressure out wide. Wigans fast and pacey backs proving to good for Blackburn and scoring in the corner, the conversion missing.

Blackburn rallied straight from the kick off with myself making a tackle on the Wigan number 1 as he caught the restart, putting him down and turning over the ball. The hungry Burn pack drove on and Wigan conceeding an easy penalty in front of the posts gave Henning another chance at the posts. Unfortunately pushing just wide for the second time the Wigan backs seized there chance. Changing defence into attack they ran the ball from there 22 catching the burn players on the back foot, and scoring their second try of the half. 12-0 at half time I carried out my plan to make some changes and give some of the many subs a run out. However after a initial burst from the burn forwards which saw a smashing bullocking run from second row replacement Martin Jessop, who sent a Wigan defender flying as he crashed through the line of defence. A early penalty chance saw Henning finally put some much deserved points on the board for Burn. The mood soon changed as it was soon apparent that some of the changes had some what weekend the Burn pack and now Wigan where soon on the ascendency and winning quick ball a danger as the Wigan backs lined up to take their chance at the burn line. It wasn't long before the defensive efforts of Burn where broken and Wigan going 17-3 ahead.

The changes had to happen fast as the valiant efforts of front row replacements Andy Grey and James Caunce where put to the sword. Tight head prop Stuart Rouse and myself taking to the field again as the pressure on our replacements deemed to much. Burn had to score quick and where soon charging into the visitors half, a crashing run from myself drove deep into the heart of the visitors 22, setting up a drop goal chance for Henning. From the resulting restart Burn came rushing forward now with the grit firmly between there teeth, Andy Snape crossing the white wash closing the gap, Henning adding the extras 17-13. Burn once again in the ascendency as the clock counted down, a Wigan penalty gave Henning a shot to the corner as burn threatened Wigans defence was tight a second penalty 5 yards out and Burn chose scrum, the pressure was mounting but Wigan somehow managed to keep out Burn. Yet another scrum and you could hear the seconds ticking by on the referee's watch. A shrill blast from the whistle and Burns chances done for as indiscipline gave away a stupid penalty on the visitors try line, the ref already having said last play Wigan kicked to touch.

As we made our way off the pitch I noticed an ambulance on the touchline, it soon came apparent that scrum half Richard Bradford had been hurt in an earlier tackle. Things where looking a little rough as the air ambulance was brought in and Braddy was taken to hospital. Myself and vice captain Paul Greenwood made our way to Blackburn Royal, but on arrival there Braddy was been released after observations had gone well, a clean bill of health thankfully.

All in all the game had gone well and I would like to thank all the players for their efforts, but indiscipline was our down fall and something we must strive to eradicate from our game. There has to be one voice mine talking to the ref, far to many times we put ourselves under pressure by gobbing off to the ref. And although a hard game is what we all want it has to be fair, no cheap shots let the other teams make the mistakes we must capitalise on them.

this week we will travel to Carnforth, yet another good hard game and one I truly enjoy. We have a good relationship with Carnforth and look forward to the challenge, and a good drink afterwards. Please can all players let me know availability as soon as possible also lets keep up the efforts on Thursday night at training keep your eyes on the web site for details.

Regards Carlos (captain).