Burntwood were probably the best team that Aston had met before Christmas when they had rattled up a large score and a difficult encounter was expected. The game was played on a windy day and on a pitch with a slope and Aston had these elements in their favour in the first half.
The match was very one sided and the score tells the story of the afternoon's events. Aston's opponents showed pace in the backs and an unrelenting desire to spread the ball wide whilst their forwards were a combative and efficient unit with one outstanding performer.
Aston's lineout proved to be a calamity though it has to be said that it was not a day for accurate throwing in, given the conditions. The scrum operated quite well until Andy Coveney had to go off with a twisted ankle and his ballast was much missed. With little set ball of any quality Aston had to rely on a half decent show in the loose to make any headway and Julius Hunt made more yards than anyone had a right to expect. Paul Bradley did his best at the back of the scrum, tackled well and caught three kick offs on the full - a good afternoon's graft.
The score at the break was 43-0 which was, perhaps, a little flattering to Burntwood despite their possession fest and this left the visitors with a big headache. Against the wind and the slope they could not break out of the stranglehold which Burntwood had them in for twenty five minutes. They caught the kick offs, the fly half used his boot to telling effect to establish a strong position down the touchline and, on Aston's throw, they pinched the ball at the lineout. Aston made a decent effort to string some good plays together towards the end of the game but they were severely punished when they eventually lost possession and a try for Burntwood was the immediate result.
Aston will need to work on their lineout which has been improved of late and perhaps develop a "stick it up your jumper" game for occasions where the elements and the opposition prevent them from making any real progress. When damage limitation becomes the sensible option a plan that is simple and can work is very valuable.