Hi Guys,



Rugby date 17/4/10 home against Garstang 2's score 10-25



Frustration at Ramsgreave



Well boys once again the frustration of not finishing the game, or our chances leaves a nasty taste in the mouth. Firstly congratulations to Garstang for topping the league, but our job isn't over with two more games left. This Saturday we took the challenge to Garstang up front, with a tasty looking pack, and a very nifty back line. Although Missing a few regulars the side was filled with talent, and a feeling of expectation hung in the dressing room. We took to the field and immediately put pressure on the visitors from the kick off, some excellent work by the chasing forwards gaining a early penalty chance in front of the posts. Henning playing at inside centre stepped up and coolly slotted the three pointer. Garstang came back hard but the Burn side managed to gain territory, but the first missed opportunity for our backs left us under the cosh, with the visitors bearing down on our twenty two. The burn defence stood strong and some excellent scrummaging and tackling managed to hold the visitors out, however the pressure told with Burn giving a very kick able penalty away for Garstang to level.

From the re-start the Burn forwards managed to get a foothold in the visitors danger area, and a very near chance slipped by from a line out move. The ball crossed the park but Burn unable to put the finish on where held a bay, Gareth Clarke not taking a pass sure to put him in, in the corner. The Burn pack dominating in the scrum where starting to get a nudge on, putting the visitors pack under pressure every scrum and line out. but once again possession isn't enough to win games, Garstang broke free of the strangle hold and were soon putting pressure on the Burn line. Where Burn failed to convert pressure into scores Garstang took their chances. Crossing the line with a missed tackle letting in the visitors for their first try. As half time approached Burn kept up their efforts but never got near again that half.

With the wind in their favour Burn hoped to play most of the second half in the visitors half, but Garstang where not going to let their lead slip. A hard battle evolved mainly in the middle of the pitch, the Burn forwards standing strong in the set piece, but a lack of concentration in defence allowed the visitors to run in their second try. Followed by a very good penalty kick against the wind. Blackburn battled hard and as the game broke up Stand off Eddy Holden scooped the ball up putting Henning in for Burns try converted by Henning. With the score at 10-20 Burn aimed to up their game but a hammer blow after a few decisions going against the home side Garstang came up with the ball and crossed the white wash to make it 10-25. A all round superb performance from all the players, however not finishing the chances we created again did the damage. Some work on tackling maybe in order and a session with coach Steve Llewellyn, who will be down the club on Thursday night 7pm till 9pm. This coming weekend we travel to Bae Warton who are above us in the league and 2 points clear, this is a big game for us and we expect Bae to throw the kitchen sink at us. Can all players let me know their availability as soon as possible thanks. This is our last Saturday fixture with the mid-week game against Kirby Lonsdale the final game in the season. It is also st George's day on Friday 23rd April, and so I have decided that all players will wear a st George's cross somewhere on their person. This is also twinned with the help for hero's band, any player not wearing either of these will be taxed heavily. We aim to have a few drinks in the Lightning club with Bae and then back to our club to finish off, celebrating Adam Williamson's up coming nuptials also.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the weekend,

Yours Carlos (captain).

Hi Guys,

Rugby date 10/4/10 home against Penrith score 19-24

Disappointment at Ramsgreave

The pain of this defeat was etched on every players face after the final whistle blew, stunned disbelief that we managed to boss the game for so long and yet walk off the pitch defeated. The best looking side we have fielded for ages were shocked as the final whistle blew and every man knew that we let a golden opportunity slide, it seemed that the visitors resilience and hunger for promotion gave them a edge and doggedness we lacked. Maybe disbelief that we pressurised the Penrith 22 for the majority of the first half, controlling the set plays with a pack that stood strong and firm. We ruled the line out and the scrum working well, and yet managed to cough up the ball at the break down with an annoying frequency. However the backs who where given the ball at every opportunity managed to run in two early tries with a conversion from fullback Henning. Mike Doherty scoring the opener followed by Matt Elston, both from the wings, it seemed that we really wanted it. Maybe the early scores where to be our downfall, as we stated to loose a bit of discipline and where punished with a number of penalties, awarded by the referee playing his first senior game. The dicisions may not of been right but we have to play what the ref awards, and react better. Penrith twice tapping and going to score whilst we bickered about the dicision. It was a simple fact that the visitors reacted to penalties quicker and better than we did.

The boys realising that we where in a game battled strong and soon where pressurising the visitors line again, a penalty move using Jessie just narrowly going close. but giving a second penalty very soon after, with the ageing scrumhalf Brady showing his silky skills. Selling the biggest dummie ever to the Penrith defence and sailing under the posts unchallenged. the conversion coming from the boot of center Eddy Holden. It was soon aft3er as we pushed hard to score again, not taking the chances created with some superb runs from Nick Archer in the center combining well with stand off Jim Colman. But then disaster as penrith intercepted a pass and ran 95 yards to score under the posts. This was the nail in the coffin and even though the second half was pretty scoreless just a penalty kick from Penrith. We never managed to put the game away, even though we managed again to dominate in every possible way. It was a case of having the ball and the territory just not taking the Chances created.

So we look forward to welcoming Garstang to Ramsgreave next weekend and they are top of the league, but we owe them one as we went so close at their place. It would be great to get the win against them and as this week showed we have the skill, just need to finish the chances off. So availability as soon as possible please guys. And remember training on Thursday night.

Yours disappointingly Carlos(captain).

Hi Guys,

Rugby date 2/4/10 away against Carnforth 2's score 10-24

Euphoria on Good Friday - Disappointment Easter Monday

Well guys it was always going to be a big ask for Burn 3's at Easter, with two fixtures kindly rearranged by the league. First would be Carnforth on Good Friday, followed by Furness on Easter Monday, both away games. Maybe the league could of looked at this and given us some options. However we managed to put a team together to travel the 40 miles north to Carnforth on Good Friday, it was once again a scratch team and would mean players playing out of position again, Not the first time this season. But the feeling of comradeship amongst the players was buzzing. We arrived in dribs and drabs due to the bank holiday traffic on the m6, this wasn't enough to dampen the spirits though. With a hearty number of supporters in tow also, Burn had come to make a statement ad right from the kick off we did. Captain Carlos winning the toss and choosing to play with the wind and the slope, communicating to the team the need to take advantage of this. As Carnforth kicked off taken by lock Martin Jessop, on good form he thundered forward, making good yards over the gain line. This was the way we were going to play the first half, with big runs and hard hits.
The youthful back line were chomping at the bit to get their hands on the ball, as the forwards ploughed their way up field. Joe Holden playing at nine distributing the ball along the the line with effortless accuracy, Burn soon had the territory and where applying pressure to Carnforth which told in the way of the first penalty being awarded to Burn. Eddy Holden narrowly missing from the kick, but Carnforth still pinned down in their half where under pressure again a second penalty from a line out gave tight head prop Stuart Rouse the opportunity to tap and go. Unfortunately for Stu even though just before he was told that the badly marked pitch meant that the second line was the try line not the first, he dived over the first line with all the grace of a swan to find himself 3yrds short. This just rallied Burn and from the resulting scrum they got the nudge on, Danny Khan picking and going at the foot of the scrum, recycling the ball when being held up, then Rousie broke down the blind side and crashed over the correct line giving Burn their first score and points of the day. Eddy making sure on this occasion from the tee.
Burn had their gander up and the forwards were taking the game to Carnforth, then releasing the backs. with super hands from centers Mike and Dave O'sullivan, bringing fullback Munch into the line, Burn where soon threatening Carnforths try line again. With Mike going over to extend the lead, Carnforth who had been lending Eddy their kicking tee until now declined him the tee on this occasion, but he nonchalantly converted the drop kick to rub salt into their wounds. The pressure was kept on by Bur with P.G. leaping salmon like at the line out aided by his lifters, causing havoc on the opponents ball and securing our own. With flankers George and Liam also causing problems with anything that went loose, Burn were soon threatening the Carnforth 22 again. Scrum half Joe passing a cash ball to the marauding Captain Carlos who broke through the defensive tackles to find himself 15 yards out, he pinned back his wings and went for it, with a little shimmy and the slight of foot that any international winger would of been proud of he crashed over the line leaving Carnforth 19-0 down at half time.
The second half started with Carnforth coming straight back hard at Burn, but some excellent defensive tackles from the Burn meant that we held them out for the first 10 minuets. However good pressure from Carnforth and a number of penalties from Burn gave them a long range kick, excellently converted. With a score on the board Carnforth where buoyed and kept on coming, the Burn defence being tested again and again, The game started to get tasty with a number of exchanges becoming hard fought points. A number of penalties followed as the game started to hot up, then the eventual overspill came with handbags being thrown from both sides. The resulting outcome was Joe being yellowed for Burn and two players being yellowed for Carnforth. Burn then pushed hard creating a overlap for Mike to run in his second try and give the final result of 10-24. The game over we then moved down to the railway club for drinks, a very good day all round. With Burn fielding 18 players and everyone getting a run out. New boy Killion, old boys Gooders and Mike Holden, starting on the bench, but getting a fair amount of pitch time. Also another new boy Peter, coming along to play on the wing and having a good game, having played for the colts I hope he sticks with it.
Now the not so good, with one game in the bag we looked at putting out another team for the 80 mile trip to Furness. Due to some minor injuries sustained in Fridays game and the amount of players with commitments of a domestic kind, we were left with no choice but to call off Mondays game. This now leaves us having to fulfil all our remaining games, which starts this Saturday when we welcome Penrith to Ramsgreave. Penrith currently 2nd in the table and we are currently 12th, but if we have the sort of belief and determination we had on Good Friday we can give them a good hard game. Please could all players let myself or P.G. know their availability as soon as possible, and don't forget training on Thursday night 7pm till 9pm.

Yours Egotistically Carlos(captain).

Hi Guys,

Rugby date 27/3/10 away against Fleetwood 3rd score 61-0

Unfortunately this weeks fixture ended in the worse defeat we have suffered this season, but there was still something in the game that could give heart. With the inclusion of yet another new boy Killion, in the second row the Burns scrum was solid and pushed back the Fleetwood forwards on numerous occasions. Also in defence as we where for so long during the match, the endless tackles made by the Burn boys were bone shattering on occasions. However the simple truth was that, the Fleetwood that came to Ramsgreave where not the Fleetwood we met this day. A much more youthful team awaited us with a average age of 19, Fleetwood managed to run round us on numerous occasions. With very little ball we managed to threaten the opposition on a few occasions but things weren't going for us and Fleetwood often came away with the ball. The spirit of the Blackburn team was magnanimous, playing up to the last whistle, but the efforts where not to come to much and the youthful Fleetwood side took the victory.
With a very packed weekend ahead we look forward to travelling to Carnforth on Good Friday I know this isn't the best warm up to the game, but we managed to fulfill another fixture and that is the most important thing as we also travel to Barrow on Easter Monday. This could prove a difficult fixture to fulfill so we need to play every game left this season. Bearing in mind the game on Friday maybe a light session on Thursday with Steve just to stretch us out will be the tonic needed. Carnforth are currently 9th in the league and also suffered a heavy loss this weekend, away at Barrow but they are the home side and we must respect them. So can you all let me or P.G. Know your availability as soon as possible.

Regards Carlos (captain).

Winning ways at Ramsgreave

Hi Guys,

Rugby date 13/3/10 home against Bae Warton 40-3

This weeks game saw the return to Ramsgreave of a few old faces, playing a very good Bae Warton side the old guard came out in force to show they still have what it takes. From the off the Blackburn team playing the first half into the prevailing wind blowing through Ramsgreave, took the game right up to Bae. Controlling the ball when in possession and distributing through the backs with cutting accuracy. The pressure from the strong Blackburn pack soon started to tell, with a couple of good scrums setting up good field position. The experienced half back Richard Bradford faultless in his decision making sending lock Martin Jessop through to hand off a would be tackler and open Blackburns account. Unfortunately stand off Eddie Holden not making the conversion on this visit but was to put that right, not missing another kick all game. With further try's coming from Adam (Ollie) Alstead, Jimmy Townes and the returning Matt Elison back from his knee operation. The Burn side defensively where magnificent repelling all that Bae could throw at us, with superb tackles been made man for man. Marc Grimes at full back and Dave O'Sullivan putting in the big hits. The half time whistle came with all the team enjoying their efforts, 26-0 was the half time score.
As I asked everyman to up the efforts for the second half we kicked into the Bae forwards, as expected the visitors came straight back at us but once again the burn defence was resolute. Some really fantastic tackling and rucking from all the players, with also some good tactical kicking the Burn team slowly made there way down field keeping the visitors pinned deep in their own half. Some excellent work at the line out with Richard (Tiny) Turner at the front and Lee Satolka in the middle, making life for the visitors difficult. But from a line out inside the visitors 22, came the move of the match. A clean take at the front from Tiny been Hoisted high by P.G. and Jessie, releasing Scott Foster on the loop into the 5 meter Chanel and off loading into the captain's waiting hands, for me to go over in the corner and start the score board ticking over again. The next Burn score been ran in by new comer Mike, on for his debut playing on the wing and taking his opportunity well. Bae were awarded a late penalty and kicked the consolation points to round off a very good day at the office. All credit to Bae who where worthy opponents and gave us some hard tackles and knocks, but it was Burn's power and percision that ruled the day. My thanks to all the players including Mike (alf) williams John Toms and andy Toms, whom without the game could of gone a different way.
This coming week we welcome Fylde to Ramsgreave, currently 5th in the league won 9 drawn 3 lost 7 with 49n points. This will be a hard ask again but can all players let myself or P.G know their availability as soon as possible. Fylde had a win at home this week but lost the week before against Bae, this has to give us some encouragement buoyed by win this week. But we will need to work hard at training on Thursday. Steve Llewelyn our coach will be putting us through the paces again. This hard work is starting to pay off with the defence looking solid. So lets keep up the good work and give him some support and something to work with. Once again a big thanks to all the players this week and win or loose on the booze.

Regards Carlos (captain).

Hi Guys,

Rugby date 6/3/10 away against Preston called off


The beginning of the end; death of social rugby at Blackburn.

disappointment rained down at Ramsgreave this weekend and unfortunately I don't mean the results, as bad as they were. Myself I travelled with the 1st xv to Lymm, top of the table and looking even further apart from ourselves. In fairness to my colleagues who made the journey we where a Miss-mash of three teams with myself propping up the subs bench. But the guys never gave up and put in some superb rugby, given different circumstances and the rub of the green it could of all looked different. But I went along with the senior team knowing that the third team we had managed to cobble together where at least going to travel and gain a much needed point. In case not everyone is not aware of the situation with the third team you can call off 4 games then you are kicked out of the league. On Saturday P.G. and myself had managed to convince 12 players that it was worth the trip to Hoppers. With myself away doing my club duty and filling up P.G. also offered to fill up to the 2nd xv on the understanding that the side would travel with Andy Toms to run and organise them. However the 2nds playing at home were only fielding 11, and felt this wasn't good enough and therefor stripped the 3rds of a further 4 players. Down to 8 a couple of older lads decided that they felt this was not going to be enough, and pulled out. I don't blame these lads we had cajoled them into playing and going to Hoppers with 12 was bad enough but 8 would be a hard ask. So down to 6 and even though the rules state you can travel with as few as 4 would you ? I think its time that management at all levels sat down and decided what matters at Blackburn. When I first came to Blackburm in 1992 we boasted 4 senior teams plus a vets side, I realise that rugby in our area is not the first sport. however the problems at club are not totally the blame of the area. We are lacking numbers and need an influx of players through hard work and recruitment. But I was under the impression that we see out this season in survival mode, with three teams intact and if that means playing with 12 or 11 you do it so all the teams can gain the vital point to stay in the league. No one has said to me at the official side of the club that the third fifteen are expendable, yet some people think this is the case. In loosing the social side at Blackburn the club will suffer. Myself a 42 year old overweight unfit player will not sustain 2nd team rugby week in week out. The level of fitness is beyond me and I enjoy the level I play at with the thirds, passing on any experience I have and the passion I feel for the game and the club. It would be great to have a 2nd team that can put 18 out every week but should this come at the expense of social rugby I think not. The facts are that the majority of paid up members are third team players and would have no where to play, some of the players I enjoy playing alongside each week are not yet or maybe wont be at the level to contend with 2nd team rugby on a weekly basis. There needs to be a consensus that we are surviving this season with three teams intact or not. I await notification one way or the other is social rugby important at Blackburn. I have made my case, or do disband yet another team and loose members and support for the sake of ego's.

This weeks fixture is a home game against Bae, we must win this game to stand any chance of staying in this league if we dont get kicked out. please could all players let myself or P.G know thier availability as soon as possible.

Regards a not very happy Carlos (captain).

Hi Guys,

Rugby date 27/2/10 home against Tarleton 2's score 0-29

Blackburn 3's shock drubbing for absent skipper, what a shock result for the team even with the one man recking machine at loose head called Barclay. Who I hear was breaking prop forwards for fun again, he says he hasn't had so much fun since allegedly breaking Baz Baron's jaw. As I was away on official business, watching the England team for possible third team players, none worthy of the position though sadly. I left the team in the capable hands of manager and new father P.G. With what looked like a decent team on paper, I felt confident that we could put up a good show and maybe record a second win of the year. The lads in the team took the game straight to Tarleton, and put early pressure on the visitors. But maybe if Tarleton 1's had had a game we may have had a different result. It was soon obvious that Tarleton had travelled well, and ran in a try from their half after all the early pressure Blackburn had put them under. The regular stalwarts in the team making numerous tackles in defence but Tarleton where to strong and the points kept on ticking up. Dave O'sullivan was awarded m.o.m for his valiant efforts by P.G. And the rest of the team should all be patted on the back for the way they kept on going till the end.
In the mean time I was sampling copious amounts of Fullers pride, a local southern brew that makes me wobbly on the legs and slur a lot. It was the best thing the weekend had to offer with the tension caused watching the national side play rugby my grandmother could read, never mind the Irish. The Irish defence was superb as England tried and tried to pick a line through the green wall, only to be overturned on numerous occasions. With the time ticking by England grabbed the lead but then seemed to sit back hoping for a penalty to take them clear, where as Ireland fought to the end stealing the points. With the defeat complete and me a pound lighter having had a bet on who would score the first try. I made a hasty retreat to the pub and continued to drown my sorrows.
Having now recovered from the ale, I look towards next weeks game away against old rivals Preston Grasshoppers. Having called the home fixture off, against Preston this will be our first meeting of the season. I am looking to put the defeat of this week behind us and get on with playing rugby.If all available players could inform me or P.G. as soon as possible. And please remember training on Thursday night lets get back on the winning horse boys.

Regards Carlos (captain).