Burnley 40 Preston Grasshoppers 8

Burnley finally beat the Hoppers

Ged Entwistl

Burnley 3rds 40 Preston Grasshoppers 5th 8

Burnley thirds took centre stage with this game being cancelled early in the seasons is to weather. The team had a healthy squad with a few guest appearances from lads willing to play for us rather than their club thirds, showing how welcoming we are.

Burnley scored with almost the first play of the game as Rueban Gill carried well, centre Lee Mason took it up to the line and Shaye McCullough playing is third game since joining the club scored under the sticks, converted by Joe Haley. Next on the board was Mason who scored out wide, with the fans not backing the kicker, but Haley sent it straight through for the home team lead 14-0. Preston then got into the Burnley twenty-two and slotted over a penalty 14-3. Then unfortunately the away side lost players but Burnley did the honourable thing and loaned them Adam Wallis who slotted in at full back. Then just before half time Adam Lee scored Burnley third try, conversion missed.

Half Time 19-3, and with captain Rob Bythell, not playing due to injury helping him to rally is troops now and make a few changes to add fresh legs, with Preston then asking for another lad to keep the sides 15vs15, Steve Kent volunteered to play for is fifth local club, as he went on the wing for Preston.

Into the second half and Daniel and Alex Bertenshaw were playing really well at full back and wing, supported by their dad Mark who was honoured to be captaining for the day at flanker. Celyn Lennard then got the ball beat a player or two and scored, converted by Haley. The away side then crossed for a unconverted try , 26-8. Burnley then scored two final tries through McCullough , one a cheeky interception and between the sticks he went, both converted by Haley.

A great game played in good spirit as players helped the opposition, hopefully the injuries weren't to major, especially for another guest Liam Canning who unfortunately only lasted a couple of minutes, hope the knock is not serious.

Next up for the thirds is Garstang, with the first's back in action versus Bury and the seconds are away at Tarleton. We also have Jack Stockdale and Danny Rowland representing England Deaf against Wales Deaf at Sardis Rd ,Pontypridd this Saturday at 2-30pm

Simon Finnan