Superior finishing gives Trafford the win in a game where the physio spent more time on the pitch than off! Thanks to Matt Barrett for the report.
Burnage Barracudas turned out with the biggest squad of the season so far (keep it up lads!), giving them the unknown luxury of three subs, despite missing key players in Ryan Smith and Dylan Power. Trafford started off the game strongly and thanks to some strong ball-carrying from the forwards managed to get in two early tries, both converted well by the accurate kicker. This seemed to be a wake up call for Burnage as the defence then improved massively. Although Burnage were being restricted from having a lot of possession, they were containing Trafford well and not allowing them to make much room up the pitch. Burnage earned a penalty deep inside the Trafford half and stand-in kicker Curley slotted easily to put the Barracudas on the scoreboard. Pat had to come off during the first half due to an eye injury (thankfully not too serious), giving Fanny an earlier return to Barracuda action than he had expected, and a chance to prove himself as a flanker. He was involved straight away as he chased down a kick, smashing the catcher like he had never been away. No more scores in the first half as both teams looked solid in defence.
The second half continued to be even as both defences cancelled each other out. Burnage then started to make some more promising attacks as Jack Curley looked as threatening as ever and the backs put some new moves on display, orchestrated well by Elliot Jenks at fly half. Burnage soon found themselves within the Trafford 22 and capitalised on an overlap with Dave Barrett finding a good gap to score in the corner. The kick struck the post; a valiant effort from on the touchline from the reserve kicker. However, Trafford didn’t let this try get to them as they replied almost immediately with a converted try, followed shortly after by another try, this time unconverted. The ref blew for time with two Burnage players down with neck injuries. Whilst luckily neither seem too serious, we are not yet sure whether the players will be available next week.
Barracudas next fixture is away at Barnsley this weekend. Coach travel is organised, so please come down and support the lads.
1. Rob Mealy
2. Kyle Shaw
3. Patrick Souter
4. Danny Etheridge
5. JJ Towey
6. Josh Dias
7. Criag Hanmer
8. Dave Barrett
9. Jack Greenhalgh
10. Elliot Jenks
11. Jack Curley
12. Pete Barrett
13. Jonny Chantry
14. Mkhaliphi Mkandla
15. Nick Ripley
16. Nathaniel Johnson
17. James Vaughan
18. Luke