Burton entertained Longton 2nd XV and despite some hectic last minute rescheduling of the kick-off time produced yet another display of open and attractive running rugby scoring five tries in all. An early attack by Burton saw John Pritchard slice through the Longton defence after Matt Tivey had made a break and fed the ball onto him, But Longton soon struck back with a quick converted try and a penalty to put Burton 7-10 down. This produced a spell of all out attacking rugby from Burton as they surged up the field from one break down to another before Ian Baker picked up and dived over the line for a try. With Leason kicking the extra two points they now had a lead of 14-10 and began to dominate the game, with Neethling, Tweddle and Hamilton taking scrummage ball at will, and if not winning all line-outs then certainly the efforts of Baker and Mason disrupted the opposition’s possession. At scrum half young Ben Peach made the most of this continually harrowing his opposite number and makings lots of ground with some clever kicking and running. The Burton backrow of Langslow, Waldron and Ward were also very industrious disrupting any Longton attacks but also making huge gains with some surging runs. Before half-time this work was rewarded when all three of them combined to send No 8 Roscoe Ward in for a try wide out and give Burton a 19-10 lead going into the break.

Just after the break Charl Neethling very nearly scored when he ran forty yards powering through the Longton defence before three men hauled him down a few feet short of the line, but the ever present Baker was there to snap up the loose ball and dive in for his second try. Burton added the extra points and so now led 26-10. Despite being well in control Burton started to struggle to breech the Longton line and although always threatening were never able to get that elusive fifth try. But then with five minutes to go Burton won a line-out on their own ten metres line when Pete Mason caught the ball and fed Tweddle who drove through the Longton line before passing to the supporting Langslow who made ten yards before feeding out to the backs where Tivey broke through two would be tackles to feed Duncan Johnson, who showed a good turn of pace to race round the Longton full back and score wide-out. Leason’s forth conversion made the final score 33-10.

Burton thoroughly deserved this win and once again demonstrated the strength in depth that exists within the Club as for the third week running they scored in excess of thirty points and certainly laid down a marker for the rest of the season.

Burton played host to a Bromsgrove 'A' who normally play a league above Burton at present and it soon became apparent that this was to be a close encounter with Burton perhaps edging the early exchanges. Burton's pack under pressure in the set had the advantage in the line out. Burton took the lead after fly half Simpson's kick was mis-fielded with Charl Neethling pouncing on the loose ball to score under the posts. The following minutes were a tense affair with neither side being able to dominate. Bromsgrove finally got on the score sheet after Burton's indiscipline caused them to concede a penalty which the Bromsgrove kicker converted leaving the score 5-3 and the Crofters being fairly lucky to be ahead. The second half started much the same but with Bromsgrove registering with two early tries. About 15 minutes in Burton began to take control through the young athletic back row of Varney, Hutton and Peco Ward and the front five holding their own in the scrummage laid the platform for Ex Moseley second row Viles to score followed by centre Sutton. With Sutton adding a further penalty for Burton to take the game and win 18-15.

Burton travelled to play Stafford 2nd XV with a much depleted side and needed to recruit Rob Ridley from his retirement in the Vets to complete their numbers, but their lack of personnel was certainly made up by the commitment of those playing as they battled to a well deserved draw. From the outset Burton excelled in the lineouts and with Ben Peach, Rod Ridley, Stuart Hutton and Duncan Johnson all showing excellent pace and handling Burton were always a threat to the host team. But unfortunately with 15 minutes gone a break out by the pressurised Stafford team led to a kick and chase resulting in a converted try for Stafford. The home side added to their lead with a penalty to give them a 10-0 lead at the break. Although Burton were trailing the side were beginning to play more together and starting to pose a threat to their opponents who had started better than Burton.

Burton came out strongly in the second half and their determined play was nearly rewarded by Gavin Worth going close after some excellent lineout work gave Burton possession. But loose ball was pounced upon by Stafford who again went the length of the field to score another try and take their lead to 15-0. But a penalty by Tom Tweddle provided a perfect response as the whole Burton team battled to put more points on the board. Although Tweddle missed with a second attempt Burton were now dominating the game with Sean Green and Ian Baker controlling lineouts and the whole pack completely outplaying the Stafford side. Using the wind intelligently Peach provided an excellent supply of ball to his back with some superb kicks and a steady service. From on of these kicks Johnson forced the Stafford full back into touch and from the line out a good take by Green se up a tremendous maul and drive by the Burton pack as Stuart Hutton scored a try. Although Stafford tried to comeback Burton’s defence stopped any likely breakaways and with Dave Richards revelling from Peach’s superb service time and again his boot put Burton back in the Stafford half. From one of these spiralling kicks Green stole the resulting line out and quick ball saw James Kirkpatrick beat his opposite man plus the fullback to go over the line and score under the posts. With Tweddle making no mistake with the conversion Burton had now levelled the scores, but despite intense pressure for the last 10 minutes they could not get that extra score which would have given them victory.

The result was well deserved by this Burton side who contained no fewer than 10 changes from last week’s team and once they had familiarised themselves with each other they showed what a capable side they were and played some excellent rugby, and at the end of the day could possible have snatched the win if their first half display had been as cohesive as the second.

Burton young 2nd team made it look all too easy against the older looking visitors from Wolverhamton. Led by Ian Baker and tireless work from Damon Vaney it was not long before Burton opened the scoring from Stuart Hutton who ran 40 yards from a break from the base of the scrum. This started a steady flow of tries from Johnson (2), Sutton (2), Suggatt, Tweddle, Worth and with 4 conversions Sutton (2), Tweddle (2) gave Burton their 48 points.

Burton got back on track against a Longton 3rd team as they proved too strong in all facets of the game.

After a tentative start Burton formed a ruck following good lineout ball deep in Longtons half with Ian Mellor
picking up to drive over to score. Burton well on terms with the visitors lineout and scrum continued to press with winger Kirkpatrick helping himself to a brace of tries. No10 Sutton's long kicks out of hand kept the Crofters going forward often gaining easy yards. Had the Crofters handling not let them down they would have certainly been furthur ahead.

Burton's back row of Baker, Varney and Hutton were dominating in all areas of loose play setting the platform for furthur scores from, Richards, Hutton, Varney and winger Dunc Johnson continuing his rich vein of try scoring. Longton did manage a consolation score with their outside centre opening their account. But with Sutton only adding two conversions left the final score 49 -7 in Burton's favour and Longton relieved to hear the final whistle.

Burton travelled to Lichfield to play against the Veterans in a second team merit league clash. Burton once again travelled away with a bare fifteen players and a lack of front row forwards meant uncontested scrums from the outset which was probably in Burtons favour with a younger quicker side.

Both sides started with a lack of passion due to the non contest in the scrummage and as the game when on it was apparent that the two sides would have contrasting styles of play. Burton contested the line outs well with jumper Pete Mason taking his share of the line out ball with Burton's back line trying to keep the ball moving as much as possible.

Burton held sway in territory and possession for the first ten minutes before Lichfield struck first against the run of play with the Lichfield side sucking in the defence to release their winger to score. They soon struck again through their outside centre taking a good angled run to score but Burton's defence should have
stopped him.

Burton responded through a well worked move in the centres for Richards to score. He was, however injured in the process and it meant Burton continued with fourteen men, with flanker Suggate switching to play inside centre.

As the game progressed Lichfield's older wiser heads started to play the referee as they continually inpeded the the breakdown area to kill any quick ball the Burton pack might provide. Just before half time Lichfield again had a good passage of play and looked like cutting through again to score but resolute defence saw the tackle of the game by centre Leason on his opposite number and knock him out cold.Lichfield held the lead 12-5 going into half time.

The second half continued in the same vein with Lichfield slowing the game down at every opportunity and frustration told on the young Crofters despite good work rate and solid tackling from the back row of Hutton and Varney, with a poor refereeing performance doing little to favour the visitors.

Burton conceeded a further two scores, one of which a dubious penalty try given away by second row Waldron for impeding a kick and chase. Burton scored again after winger Johnson had made good ground to set up a period of pressure in the Lichfield 22 with Leason breaking the line to give winger Slack a clear run into the corner with the conversion narrowly missed.

However the last score of the game was to be in Lichfield's favour with a try for their forwards to finish the game and leave Burton considering their true strength and depth. final score Burton 10 Lichfield 29

Hosting Derby Burton A prior to the match were told the visitors had no match and had embellished their side with several first team players.

  To the home sides credit they more than matched the visitors for 15 minutes but conceeded a try out wide with the visitors winger going over for a score.  The visitors continued to press and after several rucks their No 8. scored.  At this point Burton began to produce their best moments of the match with forwards and backs combining, an attacking ruck was won and moved along the backline for Suggate to score.  Minutes later a penalty was awarded to Burton with Tweddle kicking the extra points.

Burton's line out jumpers of Mason and Man of the Match Saunders at least ensured Burton had a reasonable amount of possession.  Burton's resolute defence especially some stern tackling from the prodigal centre Harley was not quite enough for although the score was 12-8 to Derby at half time Burton were on the recieving end for most of the second half to finally loose by a score which somewhat flattered Derby 53-8.

Bolstered by a couple of first team players needing match practice the ‘A’ XV took the Croft against Nuneaton full of confidence and expecting to halt their loosing run, and by the end of the game that is exactly what they had achieved and in great style as well. However, it was not just the introduction of a few ‘stars’ that produced the result but an excellent all round team display, which unlike in recent weeks was helped by the full availability of all their regular squad members.

Burton started well showing their intent and good ball produced by the forwards saw the ball moved out wide to Tom Suggate who scored in the corner after just two minutes. Burton continued to monopolise possession with Martin Bird, Rich Paupe and Charl Neethling in the front row providing a solid base for the pack to work from, while the marauding back row of John Chamberlain, Damon Varney and Stu Hutton never let the opposition settle. On this firm foundation the backs found ample opportunity to orchestrate plenty of flowing ball but all too often the final pass was dropped or not to hand. But with Ian Gilmour enjoying the extra space he soon got himself on the score sheet as he sliced through the defence to score under the posts. Tom Tweddle’s conversion added to Burton’s lead of 12-0 after 20 minutes. A great passage of play that saw Dave Bownds, Charlie Maunder and Chris Harley link with the back row pair of Chamberlain and Hutton saw Maunder eventually slip the ball to Harley on the halfway line who then showed a clean pair of heels to the Nuneaton defence as he raced over to score. With Gilmour adding the extra points Burton now had a comfortable 19-0 lead to take into half time.

With several changes made, Pete Mason for Ian Mellor (second row), James Kirkpatrick for Maunder (centre) and Russ Banton for Suggate (wing) Burton continued in the same vein as before soon establishing camp on Nuneaton’s 22, but Nuns defence held firm and indeed at times broke out with telling effect as their pacy winger scored to add some respectability to the score. But despite being pulled back to 19-7 Burton never looked in danger and continually threaten the visitor’s line. A high kick by Gilmour saw Banton harass the full back for the cheeky Gilmour to pop up and scoop up the ball to race in for his second. Following this Burton made more changes, which possibly unsettled the side for a while, and Nuneaton’s scrum half took advantage of this to break blind and score in the corner.

Burton, however, soon settled down with Pete Mason dominating the lineouts and providing Burton with even more ball. From one clean catch Tweddle fed the ball out to Gilmour who slipped a beautiful inside to James Kirkpatrick, whose curving run took him between defenders to score under the posts from a superbly executed move. Tweddle’s conversion took the score to 31-12 and from the restart Hutton, Varney and Chamberlain set up good possession for Tweddle to feed Gilmour who need no urging on seeing the gap darted through the flat footed defence to race 50 metres to complete his hat trick

This final score gave Burton a well deserved and emphatic victory over a hard working Nuneaton team that had the misfortune to play Burton on a day when all their regular players had decided to turn up, and with more of the same Burton will continue the season with more positive than negative results.

Making the journey to Stoke, Burton A team development squad put in an uncompromising performance to get the better of hosts Stoke.  Burton's superior scrummage, lineout and pacy backs laid the foundation for this victory. 

A competative first 10 minutes kept Burton out but Burton finally worked the space down the left for winger Dunc Johnson to out pace the cover defence to score.  Soon after Johnson broke through again and unselfishly unloaded to the inspirational Baker to score.  The rest of the game hosts Stoke were examined in every facet of the game with the back row of Varney and Hutton reigning supreme to snuff out any of Stoke's attacks with both turning the ball over regularly with Hutton also making hard yards to set up Burton's attacks.  While Stoke did manage to get on the score sheet twice they could not prevent the avalanche of Burton scores in the game with tries from Kirkpatrick, Royer, Tweddle, Barker and Banton to seal an emphatic win 54 points to 12.

Burton hostimg visitors Malvern made a solid start but fell behind to a Malvern try in the first 5 minutes after a loose pass was picked up for their centre to score.  Burton responded immediately with a solid tackle from Suggate which turned the ball over and then good ball retention saw the ball spun wide twice for Suggate to score.  Burton again lacked concentration from the kick off and the visitors again scored through their centre.  Once again Burton responded quicly with big Danny Green barging his way over to score.  Malvern regained the lead through their No 8  as the crofters pack were unable to defend a strong drive from the visitors pack.  After the break Burton gained the ascendancy as the lineout and scrummage left the visitors struggling for possession and a brace of tries for Chris Harley and an extra penalty try left a defeated Malvern with a long journey home with the final score Burton 31 Malvern 21

Burton made the journey up the A50 to play hosts Longton and get back on track after the christmas break. Windy conditions were a major factor in the game and Burton were soon in their stride up the slope but with the wind advantage.

  From a lineout hooker Betteridge found his jumper in Mason and from the ensuing ruck the ball was moved to centre Edwards who passed back inside to Smith and with the move looking threatening the ball was knocked on with the line beckoning.  Burton soon made amends from a similar position the ball was moved along the three quarters for winger Banton to beat his man to score.

A determined set of home forwards continued to make the Crofters pack work hard for good possession.  Finally the Crofters worked a good ruck in front of Longton's posts for fly half Slack to score.  Burton had to dig deep and defend the rest of the half with big tackles from props Barker and Waddell and the back row of Hutton and Varney kept the hosts at bay. 

Into a gale force wind in the second half Burton still had all the work to do with Longton scoring through their centres made Burtons first half lead look inadequate.  From the restart Burton camped in the hosts half and after several phases of play Hutton forced his way over to restore the leading points margin. 

Longton refused to succumb to Burton's onslaught and again scored through their centre.  Burton's winger Johnson then got in on the act after rounding his man to score under the posts with a good assist from Suggate.  Longton again struck back with their No 8 who found himself in space to barge his way over.  With 10 minutes to go the game was still in the balance with Burton leading 26-19, but struck the killer blow with long term absentee Edwards rounding his man to break down the left flank draw the full back and feed Johnson to score his second of the game.

Smiths 4 conversions gave the Crofters a convincing 33-19 victory.

With an early kick off to return home to support the first team in their cup endeavour Burton Development squad made the short journey down the A38 to play local rivals Lichfield.

  With the early exchanges both sides seemed evenly matched.  However after the first scrum and lineout Burton proved to have the advantage.  Burton drew first blood after going through several phases with second row Mason driving for the line but was just tackled short with prop Jamie Hamilton picking up to scamper over.

  Mason was also ruling the lineout and provided a string of gilt-edged possession.  The Crofters were now pressing hard to increase the lead, but against the run of play Burton fell to an interception try.  The Crofters continued to press for the rest of the half but failed to find a way through.

After half time Burton's dominance continued and grew.  No 8 Jon Chamberlain, open side Hutton and blind side Roscoe Ward held sway over play in the loose and a powerful run by Hutton took him over to score. 

From the restart Burton took play right back to the host's line and were awarded a scrum.  The Burton pack drove the home eight over to score but the referee adjudged a knock on.  Host Lichfield now barely could get out of their half and when Burton finally worked space, winger Johnson needed no second invite to score and continue his rich vein of form.

Debutant winger Siro Mubanda from Uganda also got into the act after a mazy run finally breaking free to score.  Edwards appearing in the side in the centres along side Suggate side stepped his opposite number to score.  The hard working Betteridge with his accurate line out throwing also got in on the act with a cheeky try, with the rest of the pack establishing a solid foundation for him to dart over the whitewash.  The hosts managed another consolation score late in the game but never threatened Burton's A team development squad's winning streak.  Edwards and Banton added the extra kicking points to give the Crofters a 39 points to 14 victory and extended their winning run to 5.

For the first ten minutes of this encounter the final score could not be envisaged. 

Burton fell to an early score straight from the kick off.  The hosts fly half kicked to touch but missed with Burtons winger misfielded the ball to watch his opposite number swoop over to score.  Burton then wasted several good opportunities  to draw level finally Burton's Ugandan winger Siro Mubanda  broke through to score.  Burton showed much more purpose now and after several rucks Burton edged nearer the line with captain Barker barging his way over to score. 

After this score the final result was never in doubt  and it was a question of how many more scores Burton were going to win by as they were now enjoying a glut of possession. 

At the turn around with both wind and slope in Burton's favour Old Coventrians faced a torrid half only from the restarts did they get into Burton's half and finally an avalanche of Burton trys  from Tim Barker, Wheeldon, Mubanda and Peach with Edwards adding 5 conversions sealed a 45-7 victory and extending the unbeaten run to 8

Burton A team development squad faced stern opposition from visitors Uttoxeter 1st XV.  The Crofters made a solid start but went behind from an early penalty when their backs were caught offside.  From the restart Burton managed to put their visitors under severe pressure. 

The awesome Oliver Cooke playing at No 8 broke from the base of the scrum and was stopped just short.  Burtons pack won the run and the ball was moved to the blind side for winger Banton to scamper over and score. 

Uttoxeter's well organised pack continued to trouble the Crofters throughout.  The Crofters were more than up to this match and eventually the influential Oliver Cooke broke and raced in from thirty metres for a try.

Soon after a penalty kicked to the corner Burton's efficient line out came into play.  Excellent throwing from hooker Betteridge found Burton's monster of a lock forward towering in at six foot seven - Stuart Saunders who was driven over to score. 

Uttoxeter responded in kind with some patient build up play saw them maul the ball over the line to score. 

After half time the Crofters appeared to have the edge but still found it difficult control the visitors aggressive and spirited pack.  But once again excellent play from the man of the moment Ollie Cooke who was making big yards in attack strolled in for his second of the afternoon.  At this point the visitors looked dead in the water but a speculative kick over the top bounced unkindly between Burton's winger and full back.  Uttoxeters winger pounced to score to give the visitors an undeserved lifeline. 

Burton again struck back with two of the young colts Tom Gregory and Pete Burchall continually putting in the hard yards, with Burton having the last say with the pace and raw power of Oliver Cooke completing his hat-trick on his return to the club. Steve Smith added the extra points with the boot to leave the final score 32-20 to Burton.

Away to Bromsgrove, Burton A returned to action after a week off.  Recieving the kick off they failed to field the ball  and found themselves facing a lineout close to their own line.  A good clearance by Edwards seemed to have relieved the pressure but the hosts won the ensuing lineout for their centre to barge over to score.  Burton soon faced more pressure from the restart and found themselves on their own 22.  Ruck ball delivered to their strong No 8 put him under the posts.

  The Crofters pack then managed to find the measure of their opponents forward's in the scrummage and lineout with the Crofters front row weighing in with an average age of 20.  The forwards slowly started to produce good ball for the backs  with winger Dunc Johnson breaking and was held up just short of the line but offloaded to fullback Wheeldon to score.

From the restart Burton produced the same move and looked certain to score when the hosts fouled the supporting runner and the referee awarded a penalty try in Burton's favour.  The game turned around at half time at 12 all.

Burton pressed hard but could not find a way through with 20 minutes to go it began to look like a certain draw.  Bromsgrove were awarded a penalty which they elected to run and their influential No 7 must have thought it was christmas as he weaved his way through the observant Burton defence to score.  Bromsgrove's No 7 was soon quickly in the action again after the hosts kicked over and a kind bounce saw him gather to score his second try in quick sucession.  Burton's reply came in similar fashion a kick over from Burton's fly half Slack saw colt Jon Evans field the ball to score to give the final score a flattering 29-17 win in Bromsgrove's favour and ending Burton A's nine game winning streak.

A back on track Burton A team development squad played a stand in team against Eccleshall first XV as original opponents Newbold appear not to travel well. 

Burton were soon in the lead after several phases of play saw the lightening winger Johnson round his man to score an unconverted try.  As the game grew it became apparent the two sides would have contrasting styles of play.  Eccleshall playing their own brand of ten man rugby to suit their strengths of their rolling maul and Burton the younger, lighter and fitter of the sides electing to move the ball around the field. 

The ever present Hutton scored Burton's next try after several thumping tackles against heavier opponents he got his reward, finshing off a move that saw the ball moved through several pairs of hands for him to power over to score.  With Eccleshall's older heavier pack the young front row of Waddell, Betteridge and Hamilton were punching above their weight to hold their own ball to give the backs a good supply of clean ball through scrum half Stone making his long awaited development XV debut. 

Second row and lineout jumper Pete Mason also saw a steady supply of ball off the top of the lineout who is forming a formidable partnership with the accurate throwing of Betteridge.  This gave the backs a glut of possession to give winger Russ Banton the time and space to show a decent turn of pace to scamper over to score. 

Eccleshall struck back as the wind and rain swept over Peel croft with two well worked driving mauls to score their tem points of the afternoon.  The crofters scoring was finished by the raw boned Ward who blasted his way over to score which will hopefully mark his return to form after a shoulder injury leaving the young crofters with a 20 points to 10 victory and the ambition to start on another winning streak.

Burton 'A' development must give thanks for a game going ahead with original opponents Lichfield dropping out of the game claiming a lack of front row players.Luckily Eccleshall made the visit to a sun drenched Croft for a game. 

The Crofters gave a game to several first team fringe players so they could get a full game, including Harris, Barker, Leason, Forrester and Varney.  Burton were soon on the offensive with good handling allowing fly half Banton to score and soon after his half back partner Edwards scampered over to score the first of his two tries. 

The front row union were giving a solid platform for the Burton backs to launch their attacks although on many occassions the ball was isolated and the ball turned over.  Skipper Varney was next to score showing a cheeky dummy to race in under the posts.  Eccleshall then launched their response with their skillful scrum half side stepping through the defense to score a deserved try. 

The weather conditions suited Burton's open style of play although often complaceny took over and often good moves broke down with a lack of structure to the crofters game. Winger Johnson got into the action with a good break and try and ended his afternoon by scoring a hatrick with fellow winger Kirkpatrick also making it onto the score sheet. 

In the second half Eccleshall rallied to score a deserved push over try from 5 metres out after a good lineout catch and their full back making the most of his long range kicking to try and pin the Crofters back.  The Eccleshall scrum half then scored his second with a blindside break and an awesome turn of pace to leave the Crofter's defense stranded.

Burton finished the scoring though with Barker and Hutton also making the score sheet with Leason adding six conversions for the Crofters to win by 57-17 in a highly entertaining game.

With the return of many university players the Crofters fielded two A team development sides to face Tamworth and Ashbourne respectively.

  The game against Tamworth started briskly and the Crofters self imposed 'no kicking rule' soon saw themselves under pressure as they failed to clear their line and a Tamworth scrum saw the Burton blindside winger out of position for Tamworth to open the scoring.

This kick-started the Crofters and after a period of scrappy play Kirkpatrick made good ground with the ball being recycled for powerful No 8 Cooke to score a converted try.  Burton now began to find their feet in the game against and overly aggressive Tamworth side who made it clear that they knew how to slow the ball and pace of the game.  A break by Suggate saw Burton again cross the line through Kirkpatrick for the first of his converted tries. 

The Burton pack were managing the contact areas well although occassionally runners were isolated and the ball turned over.  The hard running Cooke, Varney and Hutton were making big yards assisted by props Hamilton and Barker to soften the Tamworth defence for Hutton to score.  Unfortunately Burton's scrum half was dealt a bitter blow with the reoccurance of a serious shoulder injury that will see him sidelined for a few weeks and was replaced by the spritely figure of Nick Porter. 

At half time it became clear that the Crofters knew they had to raise the pace of the game and not rise to any goading by the opposition which eventually saw the outside centre sin binned.  This numerical advantage gave the crofters backs the opportunity to shine with Sutton getting himself onto the score sheet.  This seemed to galvanise the Crofters effort as they began to run the opposition defense ragged with furthur scores from Cooke, Kirkpatrick and winger Johnson. 

Leason was pulling the strings behind a pack that provided him with a glut of quick clean possession with good work from debutant Carter in the second row.  In the try of the game Leason released Harley on the five metre line to break before feeding Johnson to make further ground another two sets of hands were involved until eventually Harley staggered over the line.

The second half saw Tamworth completely over run and outclassed as Burton then stopped to take conversions to make the score board rattle up a massive 69 points leaving the final score 69-10.

In an attempt to give all available players a game Burton put out a ‘U’ XV that comprised of players returning from university plus regular Club players from the ‘A’, ‘B’ and Colts teams to form an unclassified team of differing skills and experience to face a team from Ashbourne. Obviously such a mixture took time to settle into any pattern of play and the visitors took full advantage of this to capitalise on early Burton errors and playing an open expansive game scored two tries, one converted, before Burton began to get back into the game. After these early shocks Burton began to play their own free flowing wide game well supported by a mobile back row. The last move of the first half saw Ben Peach break blind from a scrum in his own half and showing an exceptional turn of pace raced clear to score in the corner. With the conversion being missed Burton went into the break 5-12 down but definitely in the ascendancy.

The second half saw Burton playing the same type of expansive free running rugby but despite complete dominance Ashbourne’s resolute defence stopped further points being scored. This lack of points led to small errors creeping into Burton’s play and with injuries to young Brett Bailey, Rich Paupe, Scott Waddell and Ben Simpson disrupting Burton’s efforts this all put paid to Burton’s hopes of victory. Ashbourne’s fly-half added three extra points to their total before Burton got a late consolation try when James Parker brilliantly sliced through the massed Ashbourne defence and showing that university had not slowed him down raced fifty metres to score wide out.

Despite the result this fixture was a resounding success in providing a game for players who would otherwise have had an idle afternoon and also gave some of the older colts an insight into senior rugby. The back-row of Bailey, Tom Gregory and Richard Langslow showed what strength in depth the club has in these positions, while it was also pleasing to see the return of players like Mark Smith, Andy Griffiths and James Parker who phoned up on the off chance of getting a game.

With Burton's first XV away to Aston and taking an important step towards the league title the Crofters A team hosted Astons Old Edwardians at the fortress of Peel Croft.  The visitors arrived in dis-array, short of players and kit. Both were soon resolved by Burton lending them both, to eventually see a competitive game.  Thanks must go to Nick Porter, James Parker, Ben Waldron and Richard Langslow who turning out for the visitors and who turned out to be their best players and were a constant threat to in Burton's side. 

A competative game and spirited game was eventually won by Burton as they overcame the visitors by 33 points to 12 with scores from Cooke, Harley, Banton, Johnson and Sutton to seal and emphatic if somewhat scrappy win and the Crofters once again start looking at healthy winning streak and developing the university players while they are home over the Easter period to hope they can feature in league rugby in the near future.

Burton A team achieved an eleven try haul in this encounter with visitors stoke scoring three.  Although it was a somewhat scrappy encounter Burton always looked to have the edge as the game wore on.  Burton began to tidy their rough edges with their cohesive pack and quick backs began to lay the foundation for a big score. An extravagansa of points were eventually scored as the Stoke defense went walkabout for the afternoon with hattricks being scored by Sutton and the ever impressive Ollie Cooke.  Kirkpatrick and Johnson got in on the action with a brace each and a cheeky score by Colt Gav Cole sealed the tries for the Crofters with Sutton adding five conversions to give Burton a 65 points to 17 win in a game in which they dominated every area of play.

Burtons A team hosted Burntwood first XV and make the most of a positive start. Straight from the kick off giant lock forward Danny Green fielded the ball and drove forward to be stopped just short of the line.  Moments later the same player found himself in the same position but this time powered over to score. 

This set the tone for the rest of the half with the hosts pulling all the strings.  Burton went further ahead when winger Banton caught Smiths cross field kick.   Burton were enjoying a glut of possession provided by their pack with their line out specialist Mason with the accurate throwing of Betteridge reigning supreme. 

A late cry off from flanker Hutton saw the experience of Rob Ridley drafted into the back row and he displayed that he had not lost any of his old talents being ever present at the breakdown. Late in the half Burton went further ahead with Winger Johnson showing a good turn of pace to blister down the touch line to leave the score 17-0 at half time and Burton looking in control. 

However visitors Burntwood responded strongly in the second half, a further Burton score from centre Kirkpatrick saw the visitors finally spring into action.  Burton then also had a run of injuries to Green & Kirkpatrick who both had to leave the field.  The visitors finally responded with twenty nine Points of their own through good play and occassional poor defence from Burton.

Late in the half two well rehersed penalty moves saw tries for the awesome Ollie Cooke playing at No 8 for his usual spot on the score sheet and another score for the evergreen prop of Tim Barker who was rampant in loose play.  Fullback Sutton added some of the extra points for Burton for them to run out 43-29 victors.

Burton ‘A’ XV travelled to Uttoxeter with a youthful team captained by ‘veteran’ Sam Whitworth and blew away Uttoxeter 1 st team with a feast of open running rugby. A charge by the Burton forwards as early as the fifth minute set the tone for the rest of the game and allowed Russell Banton an early try. More slick handling from the backs saw Steve Smith feed Duncan Johnson to score in the corner. Then twenty minutes later Steve Edwards released Steve Smith to race in for a third try and with Gavin Cole adding all three conversion Burton now had a healthy 21-0 lead. But a brawl saw Jamie Parker sin binned to give the hosts a man advantage just before half-time. Using this extra man advantage and their heavier forwards the home side started to gain some momentum and soon saw their left wing score a try to reduce the arrears. But Burton hit back and two good passing movements in the backs saw Gavin Cole and Jamie Hamilton cross for two more tries to increase their lead to 31-5 at half-time.

The second half saw the introduction of seventeen-year-old Alistair Eastwood and with his first touch he scored a try following a beautiful flowing backs move. Uttoxeter hit back with their second try that was converted before Gavin Cole sliced through their defence with a 60-metre dash following an interception. Cole followed this up by another scything run to feed Eastwood who touched down for his second try on his senior debut. A try by Uttoxeter in the dying minute took the score to 52-19 to provide a well-earned victory for this youthful Crofters side that had acquitted itself so well throughout the day.