Desperate for numbers, Burgess found a Whanganui High School student who was watching his mother's game, then recruited Tony Bayler - father of TCOB's Travis and who had never played senior hockey - while the coach reluctantly pulled on the uniform himself.
Facing a PN Marist team with a deep bench, who made constant shift changes throughout the match, TCOB ran out of legs in the second half of a game they could have won, losing 3-2.
TCOB had a great first quarter as Kane Watkin scored from a penalty corner and then standout Lee Moir nailed a stunner into the top of the net.
However, Marist came roaring back with two goals of their own in the second quarter, as they now dominated territory against Burgess' team "with a lack of players and not enough energy".
"They got a very lucky touch into the circle for 3-2."
TCOB had rare moments where they were able to break out of their territory, but it was not enough to build any kind of pressure and force an equaliser.
Burgess still praised the players who were there for giving a full effort, especially the ring-ins.
He is hoping for a quick turnaround for the home game this coming weekend against table topping College, although in a twist, Burgess cannot be there himself due to work at Field Days.
However, a returning Craig Ritani and fellow senior player Callum Wilbur will run the team for the 3pm game, with Burgess hopeful they should have the numbers this time.
"[College] are a very drilled side, so it will be difficult."
The combined Wanganui women's team know how hard it is to play an undefeated College, after their trip to the Twin Turfs resulted in a 4-0 loss on Saturday.
However, this was a much improved effort on the 8-0 hammering the last time the two sides met in Pool A of the Senior Women's competition before the split between Premier 1 and Premier 2.
While coach Colleen Baylis, who is expecting, was not able to be there, the team was guided by veteran player and coach Jan Dixon, while Collegiate's Sophie Redmayne and Grace Godfrey joined the side with the teenagers adding speed and stamina.
Once again, goal keeper Jo Bell was busy throughout against the stronger opposition.
Wanganui still stay in the Top 4 of the six-team competition, with College Development and Palmerston North Girls High winless from two games.
They will also play at home this weekend against High School Hockey Club.
There was Under 18 representative action at Gonville Domain on Saturday for the Wanganui boys and girls teams.
Hockey Wanganui CEO Kylie Penn said the two squads will not be going to tournament this year due to other commitments for players.
The Wanganui Boys team still relished the opportunity to play Manawatu U18 in two games, drawing 1-1 in the morning and then winning the afternoon matchup 4-2.
Wanganui Girls U18 played Manawatu and then Taranaki, losing both matches comfortably.
