Burley RUFC

Burley traveled the long distance to Richmondshire in the 1st round of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy. With missing 2nd rowers George Curtis and soon to be married German Richard Schmidt the pack had a somewhat lightweight look. Playing up the slope and into the wind the visitors found it hard going against enthusiastic opponents. Finding their way into the game Burley began to exert on Richmond without creating any clear-cut chances. Reaching half time with neither side scoring, Burley were confident with the elements and slope victory could be theirs. With the second half barely underway the lively Richmond winger took advantage of some sloppy tackling to score under the posts, with the try converted Burley were 7-0 down and chasing the game. With Fly Half Richard Parrish continually pinning the home team into their 22, and constant pressure from the Burley pack, the visitors drew level. In form centre Andrew Bissett received the ball 15m out and with a shimmy here and a step there scored by the posts, Parrish converting. Burley now went for the win and mounted attack after attack resulting in the inevitable score. Centre Henry Bisson going beaten the posts and Parrish converting. The try had been a setback to Richmond who had given Burley some problems, but with the Kirkstall men still pressing, they conceded a penalty which Parrish slotted over to give Burley a well deserved 17-7 victory. Thanks must go to the Richmond club and players (many who came on our enjoyable night in Richmond) for their great hospitality.