Burnage Match Report

Kirkby welcomed Burnage to Underley Park for this first fixture of 2023. The day was gloomy but the rain that was promised did not arrive.

Burnage started this encounter of the two strongest teams in the league, holding up all the other Clubs.

Gathering the ball, Kirkby attacked into the Burnage half and looked like a dream start for the home team gaining a scrum 5 yards out. A long pass out to the backs was easily intercepted and a pitch long run saw the visitors open the score within 5 minutes, 0-7.

This was always going to be an even match as the next 15 minutes saw attacks being foiled by both sides until a break by the visitors was kicked through and the chasing player was tackled by Archie Carr who was awarded a yellow card. Burnage made the most of the penalty and winger Evans went over in the corner to move the score to 0-12. Tails were up as the visitors attacked and a further try was thwarted by a forward pass as the try line loomed.

Both teams made errors in the middle of the park and frustration boiled over when a high tackle by the visitors saw handbags being waved. Kirkby came back and a positive move saw Baines take the pass 5 yards out but was brought down inches short of the line. Burnage were awarded a penalty for infringement and cleared to the half way line. Gathering the ball from the lineout, their backs headed downfield and a number of missed tackles by the home side saw try number three with minutes to go to half time. From the restart Kirkby won the ball and a good move by the back line saw the ball come to Charlie Oats who placed the ball between the posts. Conversion was good as the half time whistle blew with the score 7-19.

From the start, a series of errors by both teams resulted in a scrappy period of play with Kirkby pinning Burnage in their own half. A sole attack saw the visitors heading for the bonus point try but fell short of the line with a Kirkby scrum 5 yards out. An uncharacteristic fumble by Greenall saw Burnage pounce for an easy try number four, 25 minutes into the half. 7-33.

Kirkby had their chances as a good move along the back line was knocked on by the wing but it was Burnage who had the last word with a try in the corner and 40 points being notched up prior to the final whistle being blown.

A disappointing start for Kirkby at the start of 2023 but with 4 regulars missing there were positives, but errors and missed tackles let them down. A tough ask next week at Kendal but I am sure Dave Barton and his team will give the lads a boost this week.