Rugby: Burrows buoyed by Clifton debut

From the archive, first published Wednesday 26th Oct 2005.

CHINNOR captain Craig Burrows could not have had a more dramatic return to first team action than their 22-19 win over Clifton.

And the second row admitted to being a bit daunted by the prospect of facing the Bristol side.

But he said the team's success so far made his time on the sidelines easier to bear.

Burrows has been easing his way back in after a knee ligament operation in April and is very optimistic for the rest of the campaign.

He said: "Not playing is less frustrating if the team are winning and doing well than if there are problems.

"Paul Hennessy stepped into the role and has done magnificently. It made it easier for me to come back.

"Playing Clifton was good in one way, but a bit daunting as well.

"Everyone was so focussed for the game so it made my job in terns of giving the team talk a bit easier.

"I started to feel my knee in the last ten minutes, but the way we were all playing, we carried each other through."

Burrows added: "I did my knee ligaments two seasons ago. I managed to struggle through last season and had the operation in April.

"I only missed three or four games so it could've been a lot worse. I'm confident with it now."

Before facing Clifton, Burrows had a couple of run outs for the second team and was impressed by what he saw.

"The difference between the seconds and the firsts in terms of pace is closing all the time," he said.

As for the rest of the season, Burrows believes the omens are good and says Chinnor's improved back line could prove crucial.

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