Burley V Leeds Corinthians
8th September 2007.
Burley traveled across the city to sunny Middleton to take on Leeds Corinthians in the first League fixture of the season.
Missing holidaying Fly Half Richie Parrish, Martin Zielinski moved from Full Back to Fly Half with Neil Robinson moving to Full Back from Centre. Henry Bisson and Dan Johnston where welcomed back at Centre and Flanker respectively.
Burley where the stronger side in the opening exchanges without being dominant, but gave away two penalties both converted by the home teams Fly Half. The visitors hit back and where awarded a penalty slotted over by Zielinski. Burley continued to press and attacked down the right flank but a dropped pass allowed the Corinthians Centre to burst clear. After exchanging passes with the Winger the Centre went over under the posts. With the kick converted Burley found themselves reaching half time 13-3 adrift.
Although stronger in the set piece, Burley where unable to break down the strong Corinthians defence. Ten minutes into the second half however Burley won a line inside their opponents 22, a fine take by James Palfrey-Smith was tapped down and taken at pace by Polish Second Row Milosz who touched down unopposed. Zielinski converting. I am wishing for to get many more touch ups with Burley said Milosz.
A further Corinthians penalty now made the score 16-10.
Burley came back but the Corinthians defence was resolute. On one of the few visits into the Burley 22 the home side won quick ruck ball, and a single pass found their Left Winger who strolled in at the corner totally unmarked, poor defending by Burley. The conversion was missed leaving the final score a disappointing 21-10.
A game we could have won. Two tries scored by our mistakes which teams in this League will punish.
As we are now running two sides, thanks to Jim Griffins efforts, and with more players to return, competition for places will be intense. Players wanting to keep their places will have to work hard. Luther will not tolerate lazy boys!