Burntwood and Newcastle (Staffs) met three times last season and the Potteries’ side won all three by narrow margins including the Staffs Intermediate Cup Final by a solitary point. Another close encounter was anticipated and so it proved but this time the spoils went to Josh Canning’s side to make it four wins from four games to open the season.
Even so, Newcastle had the chance to take the win with the last kick of the game but a penalty goal attempt midway out on the left slid across the face of goal much to the relief of the home support.
Despite early chances for the hosts, with Luke Rookyard going close first and then a forwards’ drive from a close range penalty award being held up on the line, it was the visitors who built a 14 point lead by the 18th minute.
A 50-22 kick put Newcastle in good position and from the line out a well-worked move saw the scrum half dart in for a converted try on nine minutes.
Burntwood had opportunities to reply but uncharacteristic handling errors let them down. These proved costly as Newcastle’s clinical finishing saw them double their lead in just their second venture into the home 22. Another line out provided the possession and another neat passing move ended with a try under the posts.
With the handling errors continuing for the home side, Kian Carter was given the chance to get his side off the mark with a penalty goal attempt but his strike slid to the right of the target.
However, Carter made amends for that miss on the half hour mark. First, he found a good touch from a penalty award. Then he converted superbly from the touchline following Canning’s line out take and Rookyard’s try in the corner.
Another line out was caught and driven six minutes later which was finished off by Jack Johnson but this time the conversion attempt missed and Newcastle led by two points.
Carter himself was close to a try right on half time but he was tackled into touch in the left corner. Alfie Dewsbury stole the ensuing line out to set Hal Gozukucuk on the charge. A foul tackle cost the visitors a yellow card and three points as Carter put his side 15-14 up at the break with the penalty goal.
Despite being a man down, it was the visitors who re-took the lead six minutes into the second period. Line out possession was moved wide and although the handling wasn’t perfect a centre cut back inside for a converted try.
It took until the 65th minute for the hosts to build pressure in the opposition 22 following Tom Shorrock’s surging run down the right. The penalties mounted against the visitors and from a tap and go Shorrock drove over the line for a try.
Carter’s conversion attempt to edge his side ahead deflected wide off a post but he held his nerve in the 79th minute to land a penalty goal from 25 metres out to the left of the posts for 23-21.
A scrummage penalty presented Newcastle with their chance of a last-gasp winner but it was not to be so Burntwood remain second in the table behind Sutton Coldfield.
Burntwood 2nds travelled to face Erdington and were awarded a walkover when the hosts couldn’t make up a full side. A game of sorts took place with Burntwood loaning players for the afternoon.
Burntwood 3rds took to the field for the first time this season. They were well-beaten away to Uttoxeter 2nds 69-12 but still enjoyed the outing.
Burntwood colts have formed a partnership with Willenhall this season and the combined side went to Cannock and in another collaborative exercise returned with a 67-36 win.
This Saturday, Burntwood 1sts turn their attention to cup rugby with a trip to Trentham in the first round of the Staffordshire Intermediate Trophy.