Burley V Leeds Corinthians
15th September 2007.
Burley entertaining Hessle had debutant Winger Ian Anderson in for Karl Hayward. Hessle had former Welsh Fly Half Gary Pearce and current Sheffield Eagles R.L. player Brad Hepi in their ranks.
Burley started up the slope and had to withstand some early pressure, but some strong defence kept out the men from Hull. After 20 minutes. A speculative kick through by the visitors Centre was not dealt with by the Burley defenders and the Winger picked up and crossed in the corner. The conversion was missed.
A clean take in the line by No. 8 James Palfrey-Smith was tapped down to Second Row Milosz, who drove towards the Hessle line. The ball came to Centre Andy Bissett who with the line at his mercy uncharacteristically dropped the pass. From the resulting scrum Hessle, from their own line, spun the ball wide and with some good support play scored in the corner. The conversion was missed.
At 10-0 down Burley were still competing well, after 35mins. However, Hessle struck again their Full Back scoring a converted try under the posts.
Still the home side was not deterred, and a high kick by Fly Half Martin Zielinski was not dealt with by Hessle allowing Centre Henry Bisson to break clear. The ball was taken on by Ian Anderson who was tackled and held down. The referee justifiably awarding a well deserved penalty try. Zielinski converting.
As the half came to its end Hessle were awarded a penalty in the Burley 22.A quick tap and pass to the ageing Pearce who ambled in by the posts in spite of claims for crossing. The try was converted making the Half Time score 24-7.
A Half Time gee up by Coach Paul Bissett seemed to spur the Burley boys who took the game to the opposition. As in previous weeks the line outs and scrums were both efficient and solid.
After 10mins of constant pressure Bissett received the ball and dummied his way over. Zielinski again converting. At 24-14 Burley were back in the game, and were given a further boost when the Hessle Wing Forward was Yellow Carded for persistent infringing.
Fresh legs were introduced in the shape of Burleys own Ant and Dec, Alex Short and Ritchie Christie who replaced George Curtis and Dan Johnston.
Another attack by Burley saw the ball go to ground and picked up by the opposition Winger who touched down under the posts for a converted try.
With the game drawing to a close Burley continued to press and Zielinski went over for a fine unconverted try making the final score 31-19.
A spirited second half display by Burley scoring 12points to 7, but the game was lost in the first half.
Amid further rumours President Ray Leeman denied that approaches have been made to former Welsh Fly Half Neil Jenkins and former Leeds R.L. and Sheffield Eagles star Daryl Powell.