A Winning Start

Early concerns about the playing surface were soon eased as Bedians took control of the match with forward domination and powerful running from the backs.

The starting pack of Shaun O'Rourke, Steve Bannell, Shrek ,Rick T, Jez Lefton, Chrissy Hetherington, Ben "Rouge" Dawson and Jack O'Shea scrummaged powerfully and carried the ball well.

A solid scrum provided the backs, and in particular number 10 Jim Bloor, with a platform to spread the ball and Vince "Pie Thighs" Betty took advantage of the space and time he was afforded to make great in roads into Burnage territory.

Outside of Pie Thighs Bedians experimented by playing Paul Makinen, usually a winger, at 13 and the experiment seemed to work. With strong running from both centres the back three of Ryan Keyes, Jack Johnson and Rich "Bertie" Bassett were given plenty of ball. In fact Rich Bassett was only denied a debut try by a controversial decision from an overzealous ref, adjudging Steve Bannell's pass to be forward after a lovely move had spread the ball wide.

Bedians did not have to wait long to break the dead lock however, and after the first 20 minute quarter led the match 5-0.

Changes were made in the second quarter with Jack Rowell, Andy Upton, Simon Fox, Rob Oliver, James Shenanigan and Steve Tarling all taking to the field.

The changes did not alter the pattern of the match however as Bedians still dominated with a solid scrum and continued strong running in the backs leading to further tries.

The substitutions continued for the third and fourth quarters with Daniel "Jinner Dave" Davis, Phil Parker, Joe Ealy, Andrew "Elton" Welsby, Pete Kerr, Anthony "Catman" Hargreaves all making their first appearances of the season.

Bedians continued the scoring in the third quarter but seemed to wilt somewhat as Burnage pulled back two tries of their own in the final 20 minutes. Credit must be given to the home side for their refusal to give up, but Bedians must improve their defence for future games.

Whilst the result was a fair reflection of Bedians performance it must be noted that the Burnage side contained players who had not played the game before and far too many penalties were conceded at the break down.

With only two training sessions until the 1st XV's first proper match of the season Bedians must look to improve their technique at the breakdown and tackle situation.

That being said, a win is a win and here's hoping it is a sign of what promises to be a successful season for the club as a whole.