In-form Reds climb to second in the table after 11-try romp

The locals produced a clinical performance against a team from the heartlands of Rugby League, who had no answer to their skill and pace, as Burnley and Pendle moved to second place in the North West Men’s League.

The try fest began on Burnley and Pendle’s first attack with a bomb on the last tackle by Shaye McCullough that was fielded by Richard Murray to score in the corner.

The intense Burnley and Pendle defence caused Garswood to fumble on their next possession. From the resulting scrum, quick hands saw the Garswood defence pierced again for Murray to go over for his second under the posts.

The Stags had no answer to the punishing defence from Burnley and Pendle, as time and again possession was coughed up in the tackle and the Reds took advantage by running in try after try to accelerate to a lead of 26- 0 after only 20 minutes.

After a water break in the sweltering conditions, the locals continued their scoring spree - the pick of which was loose forward Ryan Mirfield, using impressive footwork to fool the defence and sprint 20 metres to score again under the posts.

Burnley and Pendle showed that they could also score from deep. After another fumble by the visitors, they were quick in the transition from defence to attack.

A break in his own 20 by McCullough left the defence cold, and he found the supporting Mirfield, who then unselfishly passed to scrum half Matty Crowley to post another try.

By half-time the game was well and truly won with the sides turning around 38-0.

The second half continued in much the same vein with further tries from wingers, Danny Myers and Sonny Bill Waddington.

The home side were clinical in their execution of plays, not allowing Garswood a sniff of any success.

With Mirfield and Crowley crossing again, the final score was an emphatic 60-0.

Tomorrow, Burnley and Pendle will face a much stiffer challenge in an away trip to St Helens to take on Clock Face Miners, a club with almost 100 years of tradition - a test that the players are looking forward to.

For more information on Burnley and Pendle Rugby League Club, contact Bob Lennard on 07772 600729.