Burton entertained Wolverhampton 3rd XV and performed strongly right from the start in this fiercely contested match and some fine handling plus an exceptional turn of pace by Ben Stone resulted in a try after just two minutes. Burton then had to withstand some heavy pressure from Wolverhampton throughout the rest of the first half, but managed to extend their lead when Adam French broke out and scored a fine try. With John Widdowson converting from a difficult angle Burton took a 12-0 lead into half time.

Wolverhampton came out strongly in the second half, but determined play by the Burton pack slowed their progress and ensured Burton’s dominance throughout the game. Taking a ball against the head Burton created a third try for the home team, scored by Dave Bownds, which provided a perfect response to an opportunist try by Wolves. This score lifted the home side who proceeded to dominate the remaining 20 minutes moving the ball well to optimise their greater pace. From a quickly taken tap penalty Burton moved the ball left then right before Kev Billings dived over for Burton’s fourth try, which Widdowson converted. With the score now 24-7 Burton played some ‘champagne’ rugby and finished the game with a flourish as the Burton back row split open the opposition defence for Dave Bownds to score his second try and give Burton a deserved 29-7 victory.

No one can question the spirit of the Burton B XV as they travelled to play Willenhall 2nd XV well aware that the last five previous fixtures against them had all resulted in very heavy defeats. Although Burton were able to put some early pressure on their very stong, well drilled opponents they were unable to sustain it and the home side soon became the dominant force in the fixture. With Burton struggling to compete up front Willenhall soon scored a two tries as Burton struggled to stop their marauding pack. But Burton struck back when Willenhall forwards were caught offside in a ruck and Dave Ward put the ball sweetly between the posts. But the home side stormed back with another converted try, and even when their open side flanker was sin binned for persistent offside and Burton’s Ward added three more points with the penalty, they still added to their score with a try under the posts. So with the score at 26-6 Willenhall took a commanding lead into the halftime break.

After the break Burton fought back bravely and with injuries mounting even skipper Gavin Dadley had to join the fray from the bench. Sadly it was all too late as Willenhall added a further score before a bad injury to plucky, little Simon Paupe forced the referee to abandon the game as an ambulance was called to assist him from the pitch. This intervention at least stopped the home side from scoring any more points and also helped Burton’s injury problems for next week with four players having left the field in this week’s game.

Burton entertained Stafford 3rd XV and having made up the opposition numbers by loaning them Gavin Dadley for the day possible rued this decision when after 70 minutes play he broke through the Burton defence and scored the winning try for Stafford.

Burton kicked off with the strong breeze at their backs and immediately pinned Stafford in their 22 and were unlucky not to score as their forwards drove a ruck over the line. But after 20 minutes John Widdowson opened the scoring with a well struck penalty but Stafford hit back immediately by running the ball from deep to score wide out. This try woke up Burton and good runs by Neil Phipp, Kev Billings and Mark Harris soon took play back deep into the visitors territory. A quick ruck ball saw Graham Fryer scoop up the ball and race over from 40 metres out to give Burton a well deserved 8-5 lead at half time, but with the breeze stiffening whether this would be enough remained to be seen.

Sadly after the break it soon became evident that this was not enough as the visitors gradually took control of the game and despite Burton’s stout defence scored another try to lead 8-10. But with Burton battling hard in this well contested game it was not until Dadley’s final effort that the cause was lost.

Burton travelled to play Wolverhampton 3rd XV short of several regular players but with two newcomers making their debuts, namely Jack Handy at scrum-half and Colin Gibbs on the left wing, but a winning debut was not to be as despite playing with commitment and passion the absence of a second row made scrummaging and lineout possession very limited. Throughout the game Burton were always on the back foot but some good defensive play by Lee Carter, Phil MacFarlane and Ian Gibson stalled most of Wolves powerful forward drives and if the ball got out to the home backs then Ben Stone, Alan Taylor and Russ Banton tackled like demons. However even these efforts failed to stop Wolves from managing to score three tries and one conversion in the first half.

So 17-0 down Burton faced an uphill task in the second half, but they never gave in and some fine passing saw Russ Banton scorch in for a try in the corner to register Burton’s only score. But all Burton’s dedicated performance could not stop the home side from scoring again to clinch victory at 22-5.

Burton played Lichfield 3rd XV in monsoon like conditions on the Ox Hay but early pressure from a fired up home side only resulted in Lichfield being awarded a penalty to relieve pressure. But following this early pressure Lichfield got more into the game and started to win more ball, however the appalling conditions made handling difficult for both sides resulting in plenty of spilled passes. To the credit of both teams they tried to play rugby and persevered in the atrocious weather. But with the only scores in the first half being two Lichfield penalties Burton reached halftime trailing by 0-6.

With conditions deteriorating Burton faced an uphill task in the second half, but they battled on and using their speedy backs to good effect with Ben Stone, Adam French and Russ Banton all making strong runs into the Lichfield half, but from one of these runs a loose ball was snapped up by the visitors and they ran in a converted try to take their lead to 0-13. But Burton hit back with a try by Richard Minns, following his sneaky stealing of the ball, and with Dave Ward converting Burton were back in the game at 7-13. Unfortunately another loose ball saw Lichfield sneak a further try to wrap up the game at 7-18. But Burton should be proud of their efforts as they never gave in and produced some good rugby on a swamp-like ground. The game also marked the return after 12 months following a broken leg of John Low, who showed that he had lost none of his passion or skill.

Burton played Bromsgrove 4 th XV at home and gave the visitors a lesson in controlled aggression to win the game. Some excellent defence and crunching tackles, notably from Ben Stone, stopped the visitors in their tracks, whilst clever kicking by Dave Ward kept them pinned back in their own half for much of the match. Bromsgrove seemed intent on upsetting the referee and were continually penalised for offside and handling in the loose. From one of these Dave Ward kicked a goal to give Burton a 3-0 lead at half time.

Burton continued this pressure and Bromsgrove persisted with the penalties in the second half and two more kicks by Ward gave Burton a nine-point cushion. With Burton’s forwards dominating set pieces defeat was never an option as Burton played the entire second half in the visitors half. Only a tap tackle stopped Ben Stone from scoring in the corner, while Simon Paupe made many darting runs to mesmerise the defence. But Burton should be proud of their efforts as they never rose to the intimidation and played with composure throughout.

Burton entertained Wolverhampton 3 rd XV at home and turned on the style in producing a crushing defeat for the third time that the teams have met this season. Burton showed intent from the start making the most of their possession whilst the opposition failed to find any rhythm. Tries came freely after John Collett crashed over for the first converted by Dave Ward. Then Simon Paupe ran round two tacklers to score soon followed by Kev Billings powering his way over for the third try. These tries gave Burton a 17-0 lead going into the break.

Burton continued the pressure and try fest in the second half with Ben Stone scoring two including one from a cross kick, similar to Jonny Wilkinsons’, as he snatched the ball from above the oppositions heads to land over the line. But the game was finished off by a sweeping move that went from right to left and back again and through many players hands before Dave Ward finished off under the posts and added the extra two points himself. But Burton can be proud of their efforts as this win gave them an air of confidence that until now has been lacking and can now look for more victories during the rest of the season.

With players failing to turn up Burton travelled to play Leek 2nd XV with only 14 men bur frantic phone calls during the journey secured the services of Alan Taylor direct from his Palma flight into Manchester Airport and so having met up with his team mates at the ground Burton managed to take the field with equal numbers. However there the equality ended as the younger and better organised Leek team produced a display of rugby that left Burton trailing at the post. Burton battled bravely throughout the game and never let their heads drop but could never match their quicker more agile opponents whose well-drilled moves out muscled them in the scrums and outpaced them in the backs. Although Burton held their own in the lineout thanks to the display of youngster Mark Topliss and Adam Baker the only reward they got all afternoon was a Dave Ward penalty.

At the end of the day credit must go to the team for their efforts but unfortunately it was not enough on the day as Leek scored eight tries to complete a 56-3 victory.

Burton ‘B’ played host to a very well drilled Tamworth side who combined a lot of experience with a handful of younger players. Burton had to withstand sustained heavy pressure for the first quarter of the game but only conceded two converted tries in the second quarter of the first half, and so went into half time 0-14 in arrears.

Burton started the second half looking as though they were getting back into the game with some good runs by Ben Stone and John Collett, while Gavin Cole’s use of the touchline was admirable. Eventually Burton got points on the board with a long range Cole penalty. But here the revival ended as the visitors battened down the hatches and used their superior forward power to surge up field for 3 more tries as Burton could only add another Cole penalty to their scoreline.

Burton battled to the end but being without six or seven regular players was too big a handicap as Tamworth used their better organisation to the full. At the end of the day credit must go to the team for their efforts but unfortunately it was not enough on the day as Tamworth ran out 31-6 victors.

Burton ‘B’ travelled to Stoke with 17 players and started by winning the toss, but that was where the winning ended as they were defeated by a more organised and heavier Stoke side that scored 5 converted tries to Burtons one.

Burton started the game well but soon were found wanting against the quick ball that was being produced by Stoke and the helpful ‘home’ referee, time and again they found themselves on the wrong end of questionable decisions which made it difficult to contain the opposition. Burton did manage one period of play in the opposition 22 that resulted in Kev Billings scoring their sole try, but other efforts by Ian Gibson, Dave Ward and John Low were not awarded so despite all their efforts Burton battled to the end but could not gain another score and trudged off the pitch somewhat despondent wondering what might have been with a different official in charge.

Burton ‘B’ again travelled away and faced a well-drilled Walsall 3rd XV who blended youth with experience. Unfortunately Burton started badly and conceded a try after just 2 minutes and this seemed to set the tone for the rest of the half with Burton struggling to get into the game and eventually turning round for the second half trailing 0-29.

Burton’s Gavin Dadley half time chat seemed to rejuvenate the team and they competed much better in the second period of play and limited the home side to just two converted tries in this time. Burton had long periods of pressure but despite strong runs by John Low, John Collett, Lee Carter and Kev Billings they could not get over the line, but Dave Ward’s trusty boot saw four penalties converted to put an air of respectability to the score line.

Once again despite loosing Burton battled to the end but could not get that elusive early score that may well have changed the pattern of the game.

Burton ‘B’ played host to a very well drilled Ashbourne 2 nd XV, who made the utmost use of the pace of their backs to score fifty points. Although Burton matched their visitors up front they just could not contain them once their three-quarter were un leashed and so by half time Burton were trailing 0-31.

In the second half Burton got more into the game and put their opponents under considerable pressure, which eventually saw their efforts rewarded. From a strong forward drive at a scrum Ashbourne were driven back fifteen metres and Kev Billings picked up to dart over for a try converted by Dave Ward. Unfortunately these points were the only ones that Burton could muster despite pressurising the opposition and being much more involved in the game. But once again despite loosing Burton battled to the end but just did not have the pace to match the visitor’s backs.

Burton ‘B’ travelled to play Aston OE’s with 13 men, leaving home sides with squads of 24 upwards, but on arrival found that their hosts were also short of players so hopefully an even contest would follow. Although the score-line tells a different story the game was evenly matched but Aston were able to convert their pressure into points while Burton could not. In the first half Aston scored two tries while Burton could only manage 3 points from the trusty boot of Adrian Varney.

In the second half Burton went further behind by three more tries with again only Varney’s boot providing 3 more points for Burton. While the score flattered the hosts Burton put up a brave and determined performance that should really have been rewarded with more points.

Burton ‘B’ travelled to play Stafford , on a bitterly cold and windy afternoon, and unfortunately started the game slowly going behind to an unconverted try after only two minutes. Stafford scored two further unconverted tries before Burton got into their stride and started to put up any form of resistance and begin to play. But eventually after some twenty minutes Burton woke up and responded when Pat Fitzsimmons took a quick tap penalty to force his way over for a try that Dave Ward converted. However just before the break Stafford got another unconverted try to take a 20-7 point lead into the second half.

With the wind now behind then in the second half Burton upped their game and began to put Stafford under pressure, with better defending and showing more aggression and commitment. All of this led to Ben Stone running half the length of the pitch through several defenders before touching down to score an unconverted try. But sadly all the domination and pressure was in vain as Stafford scored a further unconverted try with a breakaway that was much against the run of play and try as they might Burton could not turn pressure into points as the hosts desperate defence hung on to record a 25-12 win in a well contested game.

Burton ‘B’ played the game with spirit and vigour to take the game to opponents Lichfield on the Ox-hay, and had a clear advantage in the scrums with skipper Gavin Dadley taking ball at will, on one of his few full appearances. This helped secure their first try when Kevin Billings drove over to score and level the scores following an earlier try by Lichfield. The score stayed this way up until half time.

Burton began the second half in the same style driving forward all the time with Graham Mousley, Martin Bird and John Low making powerful runs. Before long a stylish move involving several pairs of hands saw Ian Mellor complete a fine back row move by scoring wide out, just moments after the visitors had sneaked a second try. So with the scores level Burton had all to play for but an interception try by the visitors knocked the stuffing out of the hosts and despite brave defence Lichfield scored a further try to get a 22-10 victory, which left the Burton side a little dejected and wondering what might have been with a little more luck.

Burton ‘B’ made the long journey to Laurentians and came up against a highly organised team that a game full of pace and enterprise. The long trip took Burton time to get into any sort of game plan and they were quickly hit by three quick scores in the first 15 minutes, but for the rest of the first session Burton defended well and did not allow any further scores, so at half time Burton found themselves 21-0 in arrears but still battling on.

Burton began the second half with great gusto as they surged up field with John Low, John Collett and Tony Mumford driving forward supported by the back row of Rob Knapp, Lee Carter and Simon Collier but all this was to no avail as Laurentians stole the ruck ball and broke clear to score their fourth try. This ended Burton’s game and although they stuck at it until the end they were no match for the pacey opposition who proceeded to score another two unconverted tries and added two penalty goals to get a 44-0 victory, which left the Burton side a looking a little weary and dejected, but hoping for better lick next week.

Even with the day marking the 50th birthday of long serving stalwart Graham Mouseley Burton ‘B’ XV couldn’t raise their game enough to match the much younger and pacier Derby Development XV. Although the home side proved to be more than a match up front, particularly in set-pieces, they were not able to compete with the visitors speed around the park and pace out wide. Early on in the first half Burton knew that the writing was on the wall as Derby ran in three quick tries and the hosts could only look on as the visitors threw the ball around with speed and skill. But not to be outdone Burton did cross the Derby line with a well-worked short penalty that saw Kev Billings quickly tap and go to feed Dave Ward who deftly fed it inside to the marauding Pat Fitzs to carry three men over the line for a try, that Ward converted. Before the break Derby scored another converted try to take their lead to 24-7.

Burton began the second half in fine style and a searing break by birthday boy Graham Mouseley was nearly rewarded with a try, but a birthday try was not to be he was stopped short of the line by three Derby players who hauled him down. This marked the end of Burton’s resistance as the youth and speed of the visitors took its toll as they scored six more tries two of which were converted. Once again the spirit of the Burton side never wilted and they battled to the end, surely such enthusiasm and character must eventually be rewarded with an equal contest in which they can show their real worth.

Burton ‘B’ XV played host to Leek 2nd team which resulted in a much closer game than the score line suggests. In the first half both teams were evenly matched with Burton just edging their visitors in terms of territory and possession. Burton opened the scoring from a lineout near the Leek line as Pat Fitz stole the opposition throw with an excellent take and as soon as he hit the ground the Burton pack surged forward and drove him over the line to ground the ball for a try. Unfortunately the conversion was missed and Leek replied with a try of their own just before the break to make it 5-5 at half time.

The second half began in similar style to the first with both sides playing some good rugby, but two missed knock-ons by the referee turned the game as Leek took advantage of their luck to score two tries from these decisions. This seemed to result in a loss of confidence for the Burton side, which had battled hard up to this point to keep their strong visitors at bay, and Leek proceeded to score five more tries as they overwhelmed the now depressed Burton side. But eventually a good forward drive by the Burton pack saw Phil MacFarlane be driven over for a try to take the final score to 10-46.

Burton ‘B’ XV played host to Willenhall 2 nd team and as the score-line suggests very nearly upset the odds when playing against a younger fitter side. Playing with a squad of some 22 players Burton used their numbers and spirit to good use and excelled throughout the game. Willenhall took an early lead with a converted try while Burton were still getting themselves organised, and then much against the run of play extended their lead to 14 points with a second converted try. But Burton soon found their feet and with some excellent rucking and lineout work began to dominate play and broke down the blind side with Adrian Varney chipping ahead only to be felled by a late tackle. Play then switched to the right hand side and another Willenhall piece of skull-drudgery saw their fullback sin binned for a punch on Alan Taylor and from the penalty Jason Stone broke clear to score in the corner. So trailing by 7 points Burton went into the half-time break but full of optimism.

The second half began in similar style to the first with both sides playing some good rugby, but with Willenhall continually resorting ‘rough house’ tactics when Burton threatened, it says much for the hosts self discipline that a brawl did not develop. With seven pairs of fresh legs on the field Burton impetus was upped and after some good link play with Pat Fitz, Mark Sleigh and Kev Billings Ben Stone received the ball and raced thirty metres to score in the corner. The Burton side continued to press but Willenhall’s tactics resulted in Lee Carter being sin binned for a ‘fresh air’ punch and Burton’s remaining 14 men could not breach the Willenhall line and so they hung on for a 10-14 hard fought victory. But it was the home side’s fantastic team spirit that really shone through in this game.

Burton ‘B’ XV travelled to Newbold full of confidence after last week’s performance and faced a Newbold side comprised mainly of experienced veterans, and more than held their own in the opening period. With their hosts playing down the slope and opting for a close mauling game Burton decided that moving the ball wide and running their opponents around would better suit their cause. After several initial skirmishes Burton’s Dave Ward put boot to ball and saw Ben Stone give chase nearly the length of the pitch to score. But Newbold soon struck back when a short penalty move was badly marshalled by the Burton defence and they sneaked in to score. Newbold later added a converted try to this to go into the break leading 12-5.

Now playing with the slope Burton poured on the pressure and kept Newbold pinned in their own half with some strong running by Pat Fitz, Simon Collier and Graham Fryer and by kicking for position into the corners, possibly a tactic their more senior club mates should have emulated on the neighbouring pitch. But despite this constant pressure the Newbold defence remain firm and the clock eventually ended Burton’s hopes of levelling the scores.

Yet again another good team performance by the Burton side that just needs that extra slice of luck to register that all important win and with the fantastic team spirit that really shone through this game this will come sooner rather than later.

Burton ‘B’ XV travelled to Syston with a 21 man squad to show what a good team spirit and commitment this teams has despite its poor run of results. Burton started well and the two sides seemed to be evenly matched but a period of poor concentration let in the home team for two converted tries. But Burton fought back and began to pressurise the hosts with a series of rolling mauls that took play deep into the home 22. A scrum near the line saw No 8 Dale Pride pick up and power over for an unconverted try, which was just reward for the Burton ’s teams efforts. However, Syston responded and scored a further unconverted try just before the break to put them in the lead at 19-5 at the half time whistle.

The second half saw play swing from end to end as both sides moved the ball freely and Burton had several periods of sustained pressure but just could not turn possession into points, whereas Syston did manage two more unconverted tries from their pressure. Although the final scores of 29-5 indicates an easy win for the hosts even they admitted that it was a much closer contest than the score suggested. Burton can be pleased with their performance against a side that has only lost 2 games this season and with more luck would have produced a closer score line.

With the Burton/Hinckley first team fixture taking centre stage and due to the overwhelming requests by other players to get early kick-off times so that they could watch the senior sides battle it out, a return the Christmas fixture Veterans against the ‘B’ team was arranged for a 1 o’clock kick-ff. The Veterans captain Dave Brown insisted that as the earlier victors his team must use the Home changing rooms and Burton colours, perhaps his first mistake of the afternoon. So now dubbed visitors and wearing an unaccustomed red strip the ‘B’ XV met this challenge head on and in a hard fought, close encounter reversed the earlier defeat and in doing so registered their first win in nearly three months.

The ‘B’ team started well in a mood that showed them more up for the contest than their opponents and soon had the Vets on the back foot deep in their own 22, where only courageous tackling by Tony Williams, Melve Gilbert and Steve Mee kept their line intact. After this period of sustained pressure Ben Stone broke clear and made a hazy run through the Vet’s defence to score under the posts for the ‘B’ team and with Dave Ward duly converting this took the ‘B’ XV into a well-deserved 7-0 lead. But, as so often happens, the ‘B’ team then took their foot off the gas and started to give away far too many unnecessary penalties. This allowed the Vet’s Paul Harris to kick for position and he used this ploy to take play deep into the ‘B’ teams 22. From the line-out Chris Samways supported by Nigel Walker made some hard yards towards the line before releasing Tony Williams who broke blind and fed Paul Harris, who scampered in to score a try which he then converted himself to level the score at 7-7.

After the break the ‘B’ team fought back showing their excellent team spirit and commitment and soon began to pressurise the Vets with a series of darting burst from their midfield trio of Ben Stone, Alan Taylor and Dave Ward. This opened up gaps that were exploited by the nippy Jason Stone who gave his opposite number Tony Williams a torrid time. Although the Vets through the efforts of Adrian Bullock, Tom Kirkpatrick and Simon Cox kept the onslaught at bay even their relentless tackling was soon to break. Instead of running the next ball Dave Ward put in a beautiful cross field kick that saw Ian Fitzgerald leap like a salmon above Andy Betteridge to gather the ball and race twenty metres to touch down for the trusty boot of Ward to convert. So with the ‘B’ team now well in control and dominating possession they went on to record a very well deserved win of 14-7 and so put right their earlier loss at the Veterans hands. This game demonstrated the spirit within the Club as both teams played a hard, but good natured game and then went on, with the Vets band still having saved enough breath to blow on whatever they could get their hands on, to support to cheer on their first team

Burton travelled down the A38 to play local rivals Lichfield in a closely fought and competitive game that saw Burton make too slower start as they took a while to get into their game. Despite Burton’s new look front row of Graham Mouseley, Rob Knapp and debutant Simon Collier dominating set pieces and taking several against the head Burton were unable to turn possession into points. Whereas hosts, Lichfield, scored two breakaway tries, one converted, to go into halftime with a lead of 12-0 much against the run of play.

The ‘B’ team started the second half with much more conviction, but despite attacking and defending very well, they soon fell behind by another converted try by Lichfield. Eventually the pressure by Burton told and from a quickly taken tap penalty Ben Stone powered over for a try converted by Dave Ward. But although dominating the rest of the game and some strong runs by Ian Fitzgerald, Adam French and Adrian Varney plus great support play by Graham Fryer and Richard Minns Burton were not able to break the green wall of Lichfield’s strong defence. So once again Burton’s team spirit and commitment were not enough to give a win over their near neighbours.

Burton travelled down the A50 to play Linley/Kidsgrove and left the clubhouse with eighteen players but thirty miles down the road they turned up at the ground in Kidsgrove with only fourteen having lost four en route, but in what was their only hospitable act of the day their hosts lent them a player. In a very physical and sometimes violent match Burton more than held their own, and certainly did not respond to the intimidation that they received, in a very even game. In the first half Burton used their forwards to rumble forward gaining ground with many rolling mauls, but loose tackling saw the opposition score a well taken try, that was converted. But Burton responded well and a set scrum saw the hosts being driven back by a surging Burton drive and the ball was shipped out to winger Matt Coombes who ‘powered’ over for a try. The half ended with Nick Page, making a welcome return after injury, taking on three of the opposition in a scuffle that saw the referee blow for half time rather than let ‘his players’ be hurt.

The wind increased and shifted for the second half and with Burton trailing 7-5 they now had to face into a very stiff breeze that allowed the home team to utilise their boots for the proper purpose and kick the ball deep into the Burton 22. In addition Burton lost their loaned player who was injured and had to leave the field so against the wind and with 14 men it was going to be an uphill struggle for Gavin Dadley’s valiant team. Kidsgove added two further scores towards the end of an ill-tempered half that gave the score line a flattering look to it of 17-5. Certainly with more players and better luck Burton could well have salvaged a result from this match had their opposite numbers been more intent on playing rugby than playing the man. But at the and of the day Burton’s team spirit shone through as they battled to the end and kept their discipline despite the extreme provocation that had seen practically every Burton player kicked or punched to leave various black eyes and facial bruises.

With a full compliment of players supplemented by 4 colts Burton travelled to Aston with a squad of twenty players. Burton started well and both teams seemed to be fairly well matched, especially in the forwards. Unfortunately it was the host team who scored first when from a set scrum they worked the ball well to the wing to score an unconverted try. But Burton got straight back into the game and from the restart Ian Fitzgerald took a clean catch to feed the rampaging Nick Page who knocked several Aston players off as he made thirty metres before feeding Gavin Cole who raced in to score in the corner and level the scores. For some reason Burton then seemed to go to sleep and let Aston score three converted tries, but just before half-time the dead awoke and a period of heavy sustained forward pressure on the Aston line Gavin Cole slotted over a drop goal to take the score to 26-8 at the break.

The second half saw a completely different game emerge as Burton took the game to their hosts with some fast flowing rugby that left the Aston team mesmerised. Firstly Cole put over a penalty from forty metres after some Aston indiscipline. Then further forward pressure saw Ben Stone power over for Cole to convert. With Burton’s forwards dominating possession from scrums and lineout it wasn’t long before Cole again broke clear to score another try, which he also converted to take the score to 26-25.

Now with only one point separating the sides Burton were unlucky to concede an unconverted try before Cole responded with a penalty. Trailing by three points Burton now laid siege to Aston’s line but despite good runs by John Collett, John Low, Adrian Belsey and Ian Fitzgerald they could not get that extra score that would have given them the victory their second half performance deserved. But despite the final score of 31-28 Burton put in a superb display that with their team spirit promises well for the rest of the season.

Burton ‘B’ XV travelled to Burntwood to face a host team comprised of mainly veterans and enjoyed a close fought contest that saw them lose by three unconverted tries to one converted try. Both teams were evenly matched in the first half but Burton took the lead when Matt Coombes scored following some excellent work by the Burton pack. A Burntwood maul saw good pressure from the Burton pack that resulted in Dale Pride ripping the ball out to feed Coombes who kicked ahead and chased after the ball to score in the corner. Dave Ward added the extra points for Burton to take a 7-0 lead into half time.

The second half saw a more organised Burntwood side take control of the game with Burton unable to get into the game. Injuries to the Burton side took their toll and down to thirteen men they just could not contain their hosts who scored three unconverted tries to take the game 15-7.