Today is

Burton 46 Stafford 10 on Jan 7th 2007

Burton second team resumed their season with a home fixture against the same opposition, Stafford, who had beaten them just before the festive break. But what a difference a two weeks rest and proper preparation does to a team’s performance with Burton totally reversing the previous 22-11 defeat with a very impressive 46-10 victory in conditions that at times resembled a paddy field. Late changes to the Burton side saw John Hamilton switch to scrum half in place of the injured Ben Peach, while Andy Betteridge and Tom Atherton slotted into the back row. Although Stafford dominated the scrums with their large pack the Burton side never panicked and kept their resolve with some good defensive work from Andy Betteridge, Ben Waldron and Ian Baker. However it was the visitors who scored first with a penalty goal from just outside the 22, but Burton soon hit back with a well worked try. Steve Cramp made a lovely run down the wing before being stopped but with the Burton pack in support Rich Wilton powered over in the corner to give the hosts a 5-3 lead. An interception by Gavin Cole saw him run the length of the field to put Burton further ahead and he increased this by converting his own try. Ben Waldron then got rewards for his resolute defence when following an opposition lineout he stole the ball and powered over from 20 metres out to take Burton’s lead to 17-3. While the backs were not to be outdone as Lee English completed a fine flowing move by rounding his man to score in the corner and increase the hosts lead to 22-3 as the half-time whistle sounded. 

The second half saw colt Will Peach coming on to play at fly-half as Cole moved to centre following an injury to Steve Cramp’s ankle as the Burton threequarters continued to throw the ball around running out of defence. Cole was a constant threat to the Stafford defence as he continually drove forward creating numerous gaps and on three such occasions he scored tries to push Burton’s lead still greater. But possible the best try of the game came late in the second half as Gareth Cogan coming in from full back took the ball at pace as Burton ran the ball from their own 22. He off loaded to Russ Banton who put in a well-timed pass to Will Peach who scooted in to touch down in the corner. Stafford continued to battle hard using their powerful forwards but in the muddy conditions the lighter Burton side were far quicker round the park and with Hamilton, Wilton, Baker and Betteridge all covering acres of ground Burton’s line remained intact. Late substitute Jamie Parker even joined in the act with a try saving tackle on the Stafford No8 as he drove towards the line. But with two minutes to go the visitors eventually broke through for a consolation try that took the final score to 46-10.

This final score more than demonstrated what a potentially powerful side this young Burton team can become given the right preparation and commitment.