Burnley 45

Hawcoat Park 14

BURNLEY got their season off to the perfect start as they marked their return to the North Lancs/Cumbria division with an emphatic victory over Hawcoat Park.

The Holden Road club, who gained promotion via the play-offs last season, started at breakneck speed against the Barrow outfit as they dominated play for the first 20 minutes playing some exciting rugby with the visitors offering nothing in attack.

Despite their dominance, it took a while to break some stubborn defence and that was typified when Danny Rowlands was held up over the line.

But shortly after, Burnley - who have not competed in the North Lancs/Cumbria division for a decade - finally made the breakthrough when Jack Stockdale burrowed over.

Soon after Burnley increased their lead in bizarre circumstances. They lost a scrum against the head but quick work from Rowlands in stripping the ball from his opposite number led to Burnley doubling their lead.

James Redford then left the field with Sam Mounsey slotting in at full back and Rob Lawless shifting to centre.

The visitors finally were stung in to action and had a good 10 minute spell but an outstanding Alex Woodcock pounced on a loose pass running the length of the field to score and Mounsey added the kick to make it 17-0 at the break.

Burnley started the second half well with Ash Rothwell going over after some great handling, Mounsey again adding the extras.

Park hit back with a converted try and to compound Burnley’s woes they lost a player to the sin bin. The restart was a penalty which the visitors capitalised on by kicking deep and ultimately scoring another converted try.

At the stage, Burnley were in danger of undoing all their earlier hard work but they dug deep and Mounsey produced a great run after a dummy pass. That allowed Woodcock then set up newcomer Zane Smith for Burnley’s next try with Mounsey converted.

Aryton Campbell then produced a brilliant run which he finished with the score again converted .

The visitors then lost a player to the bin as their frustration came through. Burnley weren’t finished as Rob Lawless finished off an impressive handling move to cap off a fine start to the season.

Head coach Simon Finnan was delighted to get off to a winning start.

“It’s very pleasing to seven tries and get a win early in our new league,” he said.

“I was nervous before the game as it was the first time I had been in charge of the team playing in the higher league but they were good nerves.

“But they soon went. It was great to see the players putting training moves into play and the solid defence was a pleasure to see. Obviously we still have areas to work on but it was great to kick off with a win.”