Burley vs Hornsea
19th January 2008
Jamie Ferguson Sean Robertson Alex Williams
George Curtis Milosz Grochowski
Dan Johnston James Palfrey-Smith Matt Hutchinson
Paul Wheeler
Ritchie Parrish
Andy Jones Brad Stovell Henry Bisson Niel Robinson
Martin Zielinski
Subs.
Peter Leeman Charlie McKinnon Mark Walton
Burley hoping to get back on track after last weeks disappointment at Knaresborough,
welcomed Hornsea to Abbey Fields, in a crucial League fixture.
Back to strengthen the pack were a new Back Row of V Capt. James Palfrey-Smith at No8,and Dan Johnson and Matt Hutchinson on the Flanks, with George Curtis coming into the Second Row. Still missing Mark Walton, veteran Paul Wheeler took over at Scrum Half with Brad Stovell moving to Centre. Even without main strike player Andy Bissett the team still had a capable look about it.
In spite of the recent heavy rain, and some mid morning line "touching up" by President Ray Leeman, the pitch was in fine condition.
Burley, playing up the slope were the the dominant force early on, with Centre Henry Bisson going close after a strong cross field run. The Lineout was much improved from the previous week, Palfrey-Smith and Milosz Grochowski winning more than their fare share.
Hornsea were unlucky not to score after a good build up, their Winger knocking on 5m from the Burley line. Back up the field came the Home side and quick hands by the backs released Winger Neil Robinson who breezed in at the corner, Ritchie Parrish just failing to convert.
With the score 5-0 at the break Burley turned round with some confidence.
All the play was now in the Hornsea half but Burley were finding it difficult to break down
determined opponents. Pressing to increase the scoreline, Palfrey-Smith won a lineout on the visitors 22m and tapped down to the long Pole Grochowski, who supported by Wheeler, crashed over near the posts. Parrish adding the extras. A further Parrish penalty gave Burley a comfortable 15-0 lead. A dummy scissors move had Full Back Martin Zielinski bursting into the line only for the pass to go frustratingly astray.
Veteran Peter Leeman, returning after a long injury, replaced the hard working Sean Robertson at Hooker and Charlie McKinnon came on in the Centre with Stovell moving to Scrum Half for the influential Paul Wheeler.
With the game nearing its conclusion Parrish slotted over a 40m drop goal to give a final scoreline of 18-0.
A much improved performance from last week and 2 more valuable League points.
J.Sanderson