BURNLEY Tornados American Football team have won its first competitive match in the Junior North League.

The Tornados beat Bolton Bulldogs 40-26 in the second round of fixtures at Bolton Smithhills Sports Centre.

Touchdowns by Matty Brammer and Lewis Allen gave Burnley a 20-12 lead at halftime against their hosts before Bolton hit back to tie the score at 26 all.

But Joe O’Brien’s first touchdown for the club and further scores from Lewis Allen and Ben Freeman secured an historical first victory.

The league format sees each club hosting mini tournaments and Burnley kicked off at Bolton with a 51-19 defeat to an experienced Woodham Warriors team from Durham.

The teams had clashed the previous week in the first tournament held in Burnley and it was a much improved display from the Tornados who had Abbas Younas playing on the offensive side in only his secong game for the club.

An injury hit Burnley finished with a 26-6 defeat to Balby Carr Mustangs with quarterback Cameron Stewart having to play offence and defence.

Burnley hosted the first ever Junior North League fixtures the week before and first up was East Lancashire neighbours Chorley Bucc-aneers.

Sporting their new claret and blue jerseys, Tornados had a tough opening clash against a Bucaneers team who have been established for a few years.

Despite losing 44-26, the highlight for the Tornados were four touchdowns by Lewis Allen while Ben Freeman, who along with Matty Brammer tackled superbly, made an excellent turn over and ran it back 35 yards for a two point safety.

Following a friendly 22-20 win over Chester Romans, Burnley were up against Woodham Warriors, who are proving to be the top team in the league, who ran out 40-6 winners.

Summer Cooke - the only girl in the Tornados squad - more than matched opponents twice her size while the ever reliable Allen scored Burnley’s solitary touchdown.

Anyone wanting to try out the sport are inviting to attend training at Belvedere on Thursdays (7-8.30pm) or Saturday’s (10am-12.30pm) or ring Paul on 07817 341724.