Burntwood pass their toughest test yet to hit top spot

A hard-fought 27-16 victory over visiting Edwardians lifted them a point clear of Shrewsbury at the top of the standings.

“It was our sternest test of the season so far,” said head coach James Davies.

“They were a very well-drilled side and we had to work really hard for the win.

“So to come out of it with a bonus-point win made it a very satisfying victory, especially as Old Salts, who had started the day top of the table, lost to Shrewsbury.

“We knew we had to do something with Shrewsbury and Old Salts playing each other and it was a good result.”

Burntwood will be aiming to following that success up with another win away to Handsworth on Saturday with key fixtures 0n the horizon.

“We go to Handsworth on Saturday, and that won’t be easy, before taking on Harborne at home,” added Davies.

“We then have a week off before facing Old Salts and Shrewsbury on consecutive weekends.

“It would be great if we could go into the Old Salts match with two more wins under our belt.”

Wednesbury’s mixed run of form continued with a 19-14 defeat at home to Cleobury Mortimer.

Neither side created many openings during the first half with a number of penalties disrupting the flow of the game.

The visitors slotted over three kicks to two from Wednesbury’s Matt Dale to lead 9-6 at the break.

Cleobury added a crucial converted try just after half-time with Dale responding with another three-pointer.

A penalty for the visitors made it 16-9 before Wednesbury sparked into life.

Winger winger Stan Zvidi crossed for a try but there was no way back as Cleobury held on.

Wednesbury coach Gary Summers said: “It was yet another story of what could have been. We left it too late to play the game we said we were going to.”

Cannock went down 27-13 at home to Eccleshall.