Today is

Burton 0 Longton 29 on Jan 20th 2007

With a much changed side, due to players on 1st team duty and injuries, Burton ‘A’ XV took the field against a strong and powerful looking Longton 2nd on Peel Croft and unfortunately two early scores by the visitors did nothing to stem the pessimism of home supporters. But despite the early set back Burton found themselves competing with the opposition as captain for the day Chris Ariss led his team back into the game urging them on at every minute of the match. The shortage of players meant that two forwards, Tom Gregory (backrow) and Pete Mason (second row, had to play at centre and wing respectively, while ex-player Will Brookes offered to sit on the bench to assist the Club. Good tackling by the Burton backs helped keep them in the game with Tom Gregory, Lee English and new-comer Adam Bidhendy knocking opposition players backwards at every opportunity to help nullify the running of the visitors backs.

Once into the game Sean Green showed how capable he is of making an impact within the club as he stole lineout ball and put in several strong runs around the park. An injury to Scott Waddell further disrupted Burton’s side and Jez Gibbs moved up to prop with Pete Mason reverting to the pack as Will Brookes filled in on the wing. Having conceded the early scores Burton denied the visitors any further chances before half time.

The second half saw Burton begin by taking play to the opposition and a good surging run by Green ended as he passed to Ariss but the latter was unable to ground the ball. Longton hit back with three more tries late in the half to give themselves a well earned victory, but the Burton team can be pleased with their own performance as they battled to the end and put in a display that deserved a closer score than the final one reflected.