After last week’s excellent performance Burton second team came down to earth with a bump by succumbing to a shock defeat at Stafford. Once again players not turning up led to last minute reshuffling of players which did not help the team’s cause. But unlike in previous weeks the team was unable to reverse this poor preparation on the pitch. So with players having to adjust to new positions Andy Betteridge moved to openside flanker and never allowed the opposition a moments rest, while Jez Gibbs slotted into the second row as if he’d played there all his life. But unfortunately in the backs the reshuffling was not as easy to cover up and did not give the players a chance to organise themselves against some lively opposition. Although Russ Banton and Jonathan Hamilton filled their new positions of outhalf and centre, respectively, with great distinction the lack of playing together limited their opportunities.

But Burton started well and put the first points on the board when Gareth Cogan kicked a penalty following a Stafford offside discretion after a period of sustained pressure from Burton. Poor tackling on Burton’s part rather than positive play by the hosts then allowed Stafford to score two quick tries and with one of these being converted the home side led 12-3. Just before half-time and following some good running by the Burton backs and forwards all being instigated by Ben Peach at scrum-half a second penalty by Cogan reduced the deficit to 6 points.

The second half was much the same story with Burton’s defensive frailties allowing the Stafford’s wings to add two further tries to increase their team’s lead to 22-6. The Burton spirit began to shine through and some unselfish play by the forwards saw them release ball to the Burton backs and strong runs by Ben Simpson and John Hamilton saw Burton continue to put pressure on the home line. Strong rucking from Rich Wilton, Ian Baker and Will Forrester was a feature of Burton’s play as they carried the battle to Stafford until the final whistle. From one such piece of play quick ball saw Peach dart right and pass to Banton down the blindside where his beautifully timed pass to Hamilton saw the latter slice through three or four would be tacklers to power his way over for a well deserved try.

This took the final score to 22-11 and demonstrated what a powerful side the Burton team can be given the right preparation and commitment of players to turn up.