Burley RUFC

Burley travelled to bogey team Garforth, who were chasing second spot and a play off place. Keen to get back to winning ways after last weeks cup defeat at Otliensians, Burley new that Garforth would be formidable opponents if they produced anything less than their A game. Still missing Richard Schmidt and Dan Johnson, Burley were also without father to be Martin Zielinski. Neil Robinson switched to Full Back with Tom Hodges coming in on the Wing. Burley started in good style and were soon on the score sheet Flying Frenchman Yann Chevalier speeding in at the corner. A transgression by the home side allowed Fly Half Richard Parrish to slot over a penalty. Garforth however were proving to be tough opponents, their forwards taking the game to the visitors eight. On the half hour in form Centre Andrew Bisset shot through a gap between both Centres to score out wide, with the conversion missed Burley were in a fairly comfortable 13-0 lead. Garforth were not yet beaten and came back at Burley with a series of strong forward drives which were continually repelled, until just before half time when their defence was finally breeched. With the conversion successful the score at the break was now an uncomfortable 13-7. The second period was a question of could Burley add to, and maintain the lead ,or would (as has happened in recent weeks) the opposition mount a strong bid for victory. With the wind now in their backs Garforth attacked a jaded Burley their strong running Centres causing numerous problems. On one such attack their balding tetchy Centre broke clear and passed inside to the supporting Full Back who touched down. The easy conversion was missed, so Burley retained the lead by a slender 13-12. Garforth now sensed victory and a further unconverted try gave them the lead for the first time. Burley realising their 100% record was in danger tried in vain to increase their score but their efforts were thwarted by a determined Garforth. With the final score 17-13. A first defeat for Burley against determined opponents who had to win this game to keep their play off hopes alive. With the League already won the question has to be asked, were Burley hungry enough to win this game?