Wirral 64 Burnage 7

WIRRAL extended their winning sequence to seven with a comprehensive victory over relegation-threatened Burnage.

Playing against the wind in the first half it was evident that Wirral would be keeping ball in hand and use their speedy backs to make ground up the field.

This pattern of play enabled Wirral to open a 14-0 lead within the first 10 minutes with tries from Craig Harvey and Ali Baker, both being converted by James Annetts.

Although Wirral had further opportunities to score, Burnage put up stout resistance until the 25th minute when Craig Harvey scored in the corner, not converted.

Burnage for their part progressed up field and having denied penalty opportunities at goal were rewarded when strong running centre, Stuart Oldham split the Wirral defence to score close to the posts, converted by James Hodder, 19-7 after 34 minutes.

Wirral seized the try bonus point in the minutes leading up to half-time with Dan Harvey scoring wide out, leaving Wirral with a 24-7 lead having played against the wind.

The second half started with Wirral continuing in the same manner as the first half had finished and as early as the 43rd minute, Ryan Stead split the Burnage defence to score under the posts giving James Annetts an easy conversion.

In the 50th minute, Craig Harvey completed his hat trick and five minutes later scored his fourth, one of which was converted to extend the lead to 43-7.

At this stage Craig was withdrawn as he was carrying an injury - not that it had shown during the game.

The Wirral crowd then had the rare sight of an interception from a prop and Jack Yarker made the 15m to crash over for a try, again converted to bring up 50 points for the first time this season.

Try scoring was not complete as Wirral were awarded a penalty try as James Annetts was held back illegally when looking to touch down a loose ball but made amends with the conversion.

The final try came in the dying minute of the game when Sam Broadbent crossed close to the posts to give James Annetts his seventh conversion of the afternoon.

Wirral continue to retain second place in the league having made no impression this weekend on the lead held by Sheffield Tigers.

Next week they are playing their re-arranged game at Birkenhead Park where there is sure to be a large crowd to watch this derby game, kick off 2.15pm.