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Burton 32 Newport 7 on Sep 23rd 2006

With a back-line that featuring a full back playing at out-half and four wingers playing at fullback, centre and wing Burton ‘A’ XV entertained Newport on Peel Croft. Showing the usual “let’s watch the ball” attitude to kick-offs Burton soon found themselves under pressure and allowed the visitors to dominate proceedings for the first 15 minutes but good defensive work by Burton prevailed and stopped any scores. But when Burton sprung into action good quick hands found Ben Waldron out wide for him to step inside his man and score. Newport quickly replied with a try of their own when a quick tap penalty by Burton saw the Burton player isolated and the ball turned over for the opposition to score a good try.

Burton responded with a good forward drive that saw Stu Saunders powering his way over for a try to restore Burton’s lead at 10-7. Newport’s restart after this try saw the best try of the game as Saunders took the ball and moved it to Ben Waldron. After making 10 metres he passed to Richard Paupe whose beautiful little flick pass found Gareth Sutton taking the ball at pace and off loading to Ben Simpson. He took a wonderful line through the opposition defence to find Tristan Gill on hand to take his pass and he, unselfishly, passed back inside to the supporting Sutton to touch down for a try that followed a superb 60 metres passing movement. Unfortunately Burton’s kickers had left their boots at home and so no of these first half tries were converted and at half-time Burton had to settle for a 15-7 lead.

Like the first, the second half started with Newport piling on the pressure, but again Burton’s superb tackling kept them at bay and Sutton eventually cleared the ball to halfway. A solid scrum, some 10 metres from the opposition line, saw Burton’s No 8 Henry Winsness pickup and drive before popping a lovely pass to Waldron who raced over to score his second try of the day. Burton’s forwards were now beginning to control play and some good lineout work saw a catch and drive deliver quick ball to the Burton threequarters and the ball sped down the line to Ali Eastwood, who easily rounded the cover to score in the corner.

Good defensive work by the Burton side saw them steal the ball and make ground and after several similar phases of play Ben Simpson chipped the ball over the advancing defence for Tristan Gill to race on to and touch down for Burton’s fifth and final try. With Gareth Cogan converting this last try Burton heard the final whistle sound with a well-deserved victory of 32-7 for all their good play and hard work.