Burley V Stocksbridge
29th September 2007.
Burley got their league season on the road in great style on Saturday with a comprehensive 26-0 home win against Stocksbridge. Having lost the toss Burley started downhill and made the most of the advantage with excellent aggressive defense from the forwards resulting in plenty of turnover ball and some good early possession. Stocksbridge defended well but Burley continued to press with good interlinking play between the forwards and backs.
Early in the first half the pressure told with Burley moving through the phases well until the Burley loosehead prop, Jamie 'so is that what the try line looks like?' Ferguson received the ball, handed off and drove over from 2 metres for the first try.
The Burley crowd were seen to be more than a little shocked as Jamie isn't renowned for his support play and try scoring - he is generally better known for wandering around the field wondering why nobody else is pushing.
From the kick-off Burley continued their early domination and kept the pressure up on a hard working Stocksbridge side who offered little going forward but who defended well. It was only a matter of time until Burley scored again with Eddie 'Did you see me smash that prop' Sommerville crossing the line after a good run from just inside the 22.
The half ended but not before Ziggy added another try after some great back play and some good running.
In the second half Stocksbridge were more of an attacking threat using the slope well but Burley soaked up any pressure and again dominated with both backs and forwards playing well. Ritchie Christie worked hard in the tight and won more than his fair share of Stocksbridge ball. A further try was added by Ziggy and with 3 of the 4 converted the final score was 26-0.
This was a much improved Burley performance and is testament to the number of players attending training and the effect of a strong squad with players moving up from the second team performing well and strengthening the side.