Burnley 22

Eccles 26

BURNLEY are learning the hard way that they have to make the most of their opportunities after slipping to another narrow defeat.

The Holden Road club, who were promoted to the North Lancs/Cumbria division via the play-offs, have now lost three of their opening four games - but two of them have been by four points or less.

Burnley got off to a great start and opened up an eight point lead but they were foundations they could not build upon.

Zane Smith kicked an early penalty and following some carries an excellent weighted kick by captain for the day Danny Rowland saw Lee Ferrier race away to score and make it 8-0.

But Burnley then shot themselves in the foot as a pass went astray and Eccles were quickest to react to race away to score a converted try.

Then the visitors intercepted a pass and sprinted under the posts to score to go 14-8 up and when they grabbed a third try to lead 19-8, the game had been turned on its head.

But Burnley had positives to take out of the first period with new father Luca Angelone at his barnstorming best while Adam Spencer, playing back in his junior position of back row, carried and supported well.

Burnley needed a strong start to the second half and they got it with Rob Lawless showing his strength, carrying and making line breaks to get Burnley on the front foot, which led to Adam Lee scoring a try that was converted by Smith.

With the gap down to four points, Burnley were again punished for missed tackles in midfield and Eccles restored their advantage with a fourth try to go 26-15 up.

Coach Simon Finnan would have been pleased with the fighting spirit shown by his side and they came back again with Jimmy White going over, Smith converting to cut the gap to four points once again.

But despite their best efforts, Burnley could not secure the winning try.