Burnage 2nds enjoy a convincing win in the Raging Bull Trophy over league rivals Stockport 3rds, a bullish Jonny Cross reports.
Burnage seconds took to the field aiming to put down a marker for the remainder of the season and for the toughest of games in the league in two weeks time.
A somewhat ‘changed’ Stockport 3rds from our last encounter, were welcomed to Varley Park for the Raging Bull Trophy 3rd round. Some would argue that this should have been the final, but my view is that the best team will win it in the end ;)
As the game kicked off it was evident that the way the game was to be played was going to an open affair unlike the previous, with Burnage gaining good possession and continuing to use the pace and power of the backs with wave after wave of attacks however uncharacteristically culminating with either a penalty against or some unusual referring decisions; the 1st of which was to send Jamie Redmond for a ten minute rest after only 5 mins of play.
During this passage of play, Burnage stood fast and didn’t concede a single point whilst reduced to 14 men. This set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Burnage gave away a penalty soon after but Stockport’s fullback couldn’t capitalise.
With the pressure mounting from the Burnage pack and quick ball to the backs Burnage strike runners of Tom McCumesky and Andy Ascroft allowed Ben Robertson to score in the right corner, the usually confident boot of Mark Lyons was slightly wide of the mark.
Burnage forward pack then took control and were accountable for the next 3 scores and dominated in the set pieces. Stockport gave as good as they got but Burnage ground them down and started to take the upper hand as the game wore on. MOM Ben Robertson cut many a fine angle through the Stockport defence and his award was well deserved.
Burnage closed out the game and the end result of 38-0 was one that the Burnage team will be more than happy with as they make the short journey over to Stockport for the away leg of the league in 2 weeks time.
The “Jonny Cross Bulls**t Award” made its first appearance on Saturday. JC has been the match report scribe for the last couple of weeks and has already formed his own imitable style. He has his admirers and his critics but the award has been created to recognise the more light hearted moments on the pitch.
The Inaugural award went to Wayne Morris - who returned to action with a brief cameo - for an interesting and unique interpretation of the fullback role! Enough said!!
Burnage welcome Toc H to Varley Park this weekend knowing that they have embarked on a difficult but potentially record breaking run in to the end of the season. We have been drawn against Trafford MV in the quarter finals of the cup and this fixture makes for a busy Easter weekend. All hands on deck as we reach the “business end” of the season.