Burnley celebrate 90th year as they reach the Plate Final

The locals bounced back well from a narrow defeat at champions-elect Tarleton last week, with a fine performance that saw them to victory over a side who play at a higher level.

Burnley started the brighter and were on top from the first minute, with powerful runs by Alex Woodcock, Rob Lawless and Felipo Alesfosio.

And the away team took the lead from a great snipe, as Danny Rowland went over.

The home team, even though playing week in, week out in the league above, kept their game simple.

Their number eight made some strong powerful runs, with their 10 kicking effectively, especially his kicking at goal, which was was keeping Aldwinians in the game.

Next on the board, following a powerful run by Luca Angelone, Lawless finally touched down.

Then just before half-time, Rowland got his second and Burnley’s third as they went in 15-9 up.

Unfortunately in this half, Burnley lost Shaye McCullough after a brilliant break – he just missed scoring, and at the same time fell badly and came off with a damaged leg.

The half-time chat was to keep doing what they had been doing, and the final was only 40 minutes away.

Into the second half, and the home team were not going to lie down, and from a maul over the line, they went over to reduce the deficit to 15-14.

But this time the kicker was not as successful, so Burnley stayed ahead.

A couple of changes and fresh legs came into the pack, as Adam Lee and Dave Lord entered the fray.

Then with some great runs by Adam Wallis and Ben Healy, the locals moved into the home 22, and a dart from Adam Spencer scored a try.

This time Lawless kicked the conversion, which gave Burnley an eight-point cushion with five minutes to play.

Then the match seemed to go on forever, as the home team came at Burnley, but the defence held firm to send the locals into the final, 22-14 victors.

The final of the Lancashire Plate will be held on May 5th with opposition to be determined.

The club have another important fixture in the LBS Plate semi-final on March 18th when the third team travel to play Fylde fourths.

On Saturday, the second XI are home to Thornton, and the thirds are at Orrell.

On Sunday, the Under 7-13s are at Aldwinians, and the Under 14s are at Didsbury.

The Under 16s are training, and the ladies play Mossley Hill at 2 p.m., with all support welcome.