Mighty thirds Yorkshire three peaks challenge.

Help for Hero's & BRUFC 3rd team.

Hi Guys,
Well many people said it couldn't be done, but yesterday pigs did fly. The walkers supporting the third team, raising money for Help for Hero's and club funds to get the thirds a new strip for next season, congregated on the little sleepy village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale. The buzz from all the walkers and the support crew was tingling with anticipation. Would everyone make it to the end or even make it over the first peak. There was just time for a quick group photo before the walkers started to disappear.
Finally I was ready to set of big Keith, who was in charge and along with his brilliant wife Pat did most of the organising and ran the check points for us. Made a note of our start time and myself and Paul Cockram set off to the bottom of the first peak Pen-Y-Ghent, Paul still in the army himself was setting a fast pace down the road trying to catch up to the walkers who set off before us. It proved to fast a pace for me and as the climb began Paul was soon vanishing in to the distance, the only contact from then till the end I had with him would come over the walkie talkies he had supplied. A useful tool for giving your mates some banter. As Paul disappeared and I was blowing chunks something kicked in, and a drive and determination to get up the first climb took control of me. I dug in hard got my head down started the climb, up and up I went soon passing some of the walkers from our group. As I went passed a few I managed a couple of words of support and had the crack with them, the banter was all good fun every now and then a voice would crackle over the radio to witch I replied "that's how I know your gay". The peaks where very busy even at this early hour, there was dozens of different charities been supported, with thousands of walkers. As I approached the steepest part of the climb I looked up and the winding line of climbers reminded me of some old biblical movie, with thousands of Israelites climbing into the mountains. I expected to hear some big movie theme with drums rolling, but instead I heard a little old lady about 60 at least, saying "excuse me" as she scampered past me, and sprang up the rough track with the ease of a mountain goat.
Finally I reached the top and stopping to have a drink and something to eat, I took in the beauty of the surrounding country side. The view from Pen-Y-Ghent was truly breathtaking, in the watery morning sun I could see for miles and felt fantastic. I had made my first goal and got to the top of the first peak this was fantastic, a real achievement for me, I hadn't done anything like this in over 20 years. Fully refreshed and re-fueled I found a fellow walker to captcher the moment for me, then started the descent down into Ribblehead and the first check point. feeling so alive I found myself literally running down the hillside, I felt like I was flying at moments passing other walkers with ease. Playing on the I-pod was Beyonce - All the single ladies, the beat of the song really spurring me on. And yes that's how you can tell I'm gay was the comment from Cockram. As I reached flat ground the music changed and Black Betty by Black Sabbeth rang in my ears, once again the beat spurring me on.
I caught up to four of the lads Martin, Chris, Jack and Phil, and we marched into the checkpoint together at Ribblehead Viaduct. Waiting for us was a support group of Pat and Keith, Mike Holden and his family and my daughter Kerrie, all cheering me in. I felt great and was soon sipping a hot cup of sweet tea, and re-stocking my back pack. Mike offered to walk over the second peak, Whernside with me and we where soon on our way. Mike was setting a good pace for me again, and before long we where turning into the steep climb up onto the top of this the highest of the three peaks. Once again this was a different challenge as the long steady climb started to take its toll on my legs, the first stages of a cramp burning into my thigh muscles. I quietly forced myself on determined to make it to the summit hoping that I could walk off the burning pain in my legs, suddenly the ground levelled out and I had reached the second summit and another sit down for some needed fluids and food. Once again I was speechless at the beauty of the scene stretching out before me. Another photo opportunity and then we where ready for the off and the descent down to the second checkpoint at Chapel-Le-Dale. Mike and I had bumped into his eldest son on the top Eddie who was feeling a little sore, it turned out that his undershorts had strangled one of his knackers, I hope no lasting damage Ed. We set off and as the ground fell away into a steep descent I found myself bursting into a jog as the gravitational pull took control. I was soon flying down the second hill of the day and making good time up after a hard climb. Every now and then a message from Paul cracked the silence, as he slagged me off and bragged at how far ahead he was. I reckoned he was now 40 minuets in front of me and ran a little harder, before long I was at the bottom and looking for Keith and Pat and the second checkpoint.
A quick restock and I was on my way again, this time alone, with the news that my daughter Kerrie had decided to climb the second peak with Patrick my mind was worried for her but i had to press on or I would never have finished myself. I soon found myself on what appeared to be a stairway to heaven (not hell) once again the path had been laid with stone flags and they seemed to reach on and on into the distance like a giant scar across the landscape.
Paul was on the radio again asking how far behind i was (cheeky bugger, but that's how I know hes gay) he then asked if i had made it to the climb yet. Having been told that the third peak Ingle borough was the easiest I thought he was being sarcastic when he said it was emotional. Suddenly I came to a sheer wall which obviously was the climb it was soon apparent that i had to scramble up this up this 300 foot vertical face. Halfway up my legs started burning again they both felt on fire as cramp from the groin to the ankle set in every step was painful, I started to realise what Paul meant by emotional as I made the top of this climb almost in tears I looked up and realised there was still more to climb, up and up I went and suddenly burst onto the flat top that was Ingle borough summit a bit of a let down after such an epic climb. Another photo opportunity at the summit marker and my thoughts then turned to the long descent back into Horton-In-Ribblesdale and the finish line. Will Nield arrived at the summit at this point and together we started we started down the hill. This was to be the hardest descent of the three peaks unable to gather any real momentum i plodded steadily down, the pain in my legs had gone and know a burning sensation under my big toes told me i had blister arriving to say hello, i pushed on and once again picked up the banter on the radio that had been so silent over the summit of this hill knowing i was nearing the end spared me forward. I passed a finger post saying Horton 1 1/2 miles overjoyed i carried on 40 minutes later i passed a second finger post saying Horton 1 mile my tourettes burst forward at this cruel joke!!! Over the next mound i saw a familiar face, Paul Cockram had walked back up to meet me knowing now i was near the end i stepped up the pace across the railway, down the hill, over the bridge to the finish line where waiting to greet us was a band of supporters, friends and family led by Pat and Keith the emotion of the whole day becoming to much to hold back, the enormity of the challenge i had completed was overwhelming. My finish time being 9hours, 16minutes was really amazing and the pride i felt was mind blowing. I would like to thank everyone who came to support especially Pat and Keith, i would also like to thank all the walkers who made this day very memorable for all the right reasons. It will stay in my memory for a long, long time and on my feet and in my legs :(.


Regards Carlos (Captain)

Hi Guys,

I know its been a while since I last blogged, but with the help for hero's walk coming up soon I thought I'd start letting you know how my training is getting on. Today I went for a walk with my good mate P.G. up over the Darwen moor past the tower. It made me realise how un-prepared I am for this walk, even though I have been putting in loads of boot time it has all been on the roads around Britain not up and down hills and fells. The first thing that really struck me was the icy strong wind, it really was blowing a gail and I had my sun glasses on thinking I was out for a nice bimble across the moor. I soon realised that I am going to be in for a rough time, we did about 8 miles in good time even with a couple of steep climbs. But I did notice that their are a few things I could to help myself along.

Firstly I could make sure that I have a few warm layers with me, and a hat to help keep the heat in and the sun out. A light weight waterproof jacket will also be helpful to keep the wind out and the rain of course. A few pairs of socks to change into and a bag to Carry it all in. The most important thing will be food, jam butties that sort of thing some chocolate or energy bars and of course plenty of fluid. It made me think that 26 miles is a long way never mind going up and the three highest hills in Yorkshire, and I did think why did I volunteer for this I must of been mad. But it is for a good cause and we benefit also by getting a new strip, so I will gird my loins and do my best as I am sure all my fellow walkers will. I just need someone to pull me up the first hill and push my sorry arse up the third. Volunteers.

I hope the rest of you lot who are not walking have sponsored one of the walkers, and if not yet you can pledge to me and I'll put you on my sponsor sheet. As I say we are the beneficiaries and so are the brave lads fighting for our country. So come on give us your support.

I would also like to get some things going on over the summer, to help keep the team spirit going, so if you have any ideas of what we could do let me know. I'd like to have a get together for the world cup games maybe a BBQ or something but where ? so come on guys get your grey matter working and give me some thoughts. This coming season I would like to win the league and go on tour, so lets start the season as we finished last with some good wins and some brilliant team spirit. I will be in touch with details of a tour as soon as I have got something planned.

before I go I would like to remind all of you that Gareth Clarke is getting married on the 19th of June, he has asked me to invite all of you along to the reception at Hollins Grove liberal club in Darwen starting at 4pm. If any of you would like to go and support Gareth and Jenni please let them know on facebook or let me know and I will forward them your details.

Regards Carlos (captain).

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).

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).