Burley V Old Modernians
5th January 2008
Burley 20 - 3 Old Modernians
Burley start the New Year hoping to avenge a 10-6 reversal at Old Mods. in November, with a home League fixture against their near neighbours.
Burley know that winning by a reasonable margin would see them climb above the boys from Cookridge. With the league now taking shape all points are vital if clubs want to avoid being one of the three relegated clubs.
A good start by the Mods, playing down the slope had Burley conceding an early penalty. Confusion between the officials finally resulting in the referee disallowing the kick.
After 15mins a long kick by Fly Half Richie Parrish was gathered by the Mods Wing whose attempted kick was charged down by the ever alert Burley Wing Brad Stovell. The ball broke to backing up Centre Henry Bisson who collected and scored by the posts. Parrish converting.
A successful Penalty by the Mods had the score 7-3 at the interval.
Burley, now with the advantage of the slope, were keen for an early score, and 5mins into the half had a 5metre line out. A perfect catch and drive had Prop Adam Wider driven over near the corner. Parrish failing with the conversion attempt.
The Mods had now not much to offer, and a further Parrish Penalty had the score at 15-3.
An injury to Scrum Half Mark Walton brought on the ideal replacement in veteran Paul Wheeler.
Rampaging runs by Wider and Polish international Milosz Grochowski had the Mods frantically defending. With 10mins. of the game remaining the visitors, in their own 22, attempted to break out only to have a pass intercepted by Parrish who went in at the corner unopposed. Parrish just failing with the conversion attempt.
In the final 10mins. Substitute Prop Alex Williams went close after a barnstorming run, and Wing Neil Robinson nearly scored twice, once after a solo run, and from a backs move when he ran out of room in the corner. With the game almost over Wheeler went over from a scrum, only to be denied by the referee who said Wheeler had used him as a shield.
A fine win for Burley who now go above the Mods., but with wins for both Stocksbridge and Knaresborough things are getting very tight at the bottom of Division 4.
Next week a tricky fixture at improving Knaresborough.
J.Sanderson