Burton ‘A’ XV travelled to play local rivals Derby with high hopes of getting a result however as in past weeks players not turning up meant some reshuffling before the game could start. Sean Green switched to centre and Jamie Parker came into the backrow leaving only Scott Waddell on the bench. Derby took advantage of this and within five minutes had put points on the board with a try following a good forward move. Burton hit back and steadfast home defence only thwarted some strong runs by Lee English, Russ Banton, Will Forrester and Dave Viles. But after 20 minutes a well worked backs move saw the Derby fullback enter the line to race in for a try. More pressure from Derby saw some excellent defence work by the Burton side with skipper Ian Baker showing the way. Burton continued to try to move the ball and some good inter passing by backs and forwards set up 10 minutes of Burton pressure but they were not able to cross the Derby line. Just before the break some poor Burton tackling let Derby break clear and race up the pitch for a try that was converted taking the score to 17-0.

The second half saw Burton start of in style and a great piece of individual running by Lee English saw him race thirty metres to touch down near the posts for a try. Russ Banton converted this and at 17-7 it looked as though things were on the up for Burton. But Derby hit back and another good backs move saw them add to their score with a converted try. A further Derby try then saw a great Burton move involving John Hamilton, Banton and English end in despair when the final pass was adjudged forward. So in the end it was another Burton loss but what might it have been had all the players been available.