U14's match reports

BURTON under-14s suffered a disappointing 34 - 0 defeat away to local rivals Derby.

Although the Crofters were able to comfortably hold their hosts in the scrum and were the stronger side at the lineout, this advantage evaporated in the loose, where time and again rucks were lost to a quicker Derby side.
in the backs, it was a similar story as Burton could not gain clean enough possession to allow their superior overall pace to count.

It was the home side who made better use of their possession, despite their own generally poor ball handling, as they cruised to victory.

A perfect morning for fast paced exciting rugby led on to a great game between Burton Under 14s and Burntwood. The home team was very keen to make a good impression early on, and created opportunities right from the kick-off, Kieran Dadley being unlucky not to score within the first 5 minutes when the ball was kicked from his hands on the line.

It was not long before the first try came, following some great work by Burton's backs to open up play on the wing and let Matt Stephens in on the left, well converted by Tom Samways from long distance. A new backline was being tried for the first time at this game, and the half back pairing of Charley Cash & James Leverington made the most of it, moving ball quickly away from danger.

Although the pack were a little slow gaining confidence at the ruck, and suffered lost ball too often, at the scrum Burton dominated, giving an excellent platform which released David Dew for some blinding runs, one of which resulted in the second try right under the posts. 2 further points added from the boot of Leverington.

An exciting pairing of Oliver Randall and Jack Elton in the centre gave Burton both pace and power, opening up the visitor's defence regularly, and allowing Randall and fullback Samways in for more tries, the first half ending when Henry Clarke smashed over under the posts once more. Leverington added 2 more conversions to take a 33 - 0 lead into the break.

Several changes were made at half time to allow all Burton's large squad to participate in the game, and Burntwood also raised their game considerably, playing some more direct and aggressive rugby. As a result they came back to score 3 deserved tries, none converted, before Randall once more powered his way to the line to create a convincing 38 -15 win for the young Crofters.

Burton U14s travelled to the spiritual home of rugby to play against Rugby Lions this week. Although depleted in number through several players being absent on county duty, the team were not depleted in their spirit and passion, proceeding to play a superb game in which they held the home team at bay for long periods of time.

The scrum in particular held up well, despite including several players who had never played together before in those key positions, and shoved Rugby back many times, disrupting them well until the home team got wise and started to step backwards to fool the referee into giving several undeserved free kicks against Burton. Notable in this fine forward performance were Rory Kinsella at lock, Joe Gazzard from the open-side and a great performance at No 8 in his first game for the club from Patrick James.

In open play the teams were evenly matched in their skill levels, with some great tackling and defensive work from Burton, including tackle of the game from James Leverington, while Jo Briggs was in his element around ruck and maul to win many a ball. The difference between the teams was small, but Rugby had the edge in terms of support for the ball carrier, allowing them to suck in the defence and then move wide to score 29 points to no reply, a scoreline that flattered the home team to a large degree in a game that gave Burton's lads and coaches much cause to feel pride.

A distinctly unpromising sticky, muddy pitch awaited Burton's Under 14s as they travelled to Newcastle for the County Cup 1/4 final. The players, however, were not deterred by this and proceeded to delight onlookers with a display of excellent teamwork combined with some great individual efforts.

The home team were equally determined, and ensured this was no push-over, as they took a strong hold at the scrum, while their pack worked overtime to contain Burton's faster moving back row and centres.

It was soon clear that as soon as Burton were able to move the ball wide, their superior pace would show, and at about 7 minutes into the game a great break from Matthew Stephens on the left wing gave Burton the head start they wanted. Play then went left and right across the pitch, Burton being unlucky to be penalised several times for dubious reasons before the ball went wide again, this time to David Dew on the right wing, who sped in under the posts to leave James Leverington a straightforward conversion, to take Burton into a 12 - 0 half time lead.

This game was not over however, and Newcastle came back hard in the second half, punishing a few Burton errors and forcing the Crofters back into their own 22. The defence held firm, however, the home team's nearest scoring chance being well held up by prop Sam Smith. This pressure only served to strengthen Burton's resolve, and they soon struck back with another try, Dew again brushing off 2 tackles with disdain. Burton were unlucky not to add another, as Oliver Randall blasted through the defence, only to find the pass he received was judged forward, to the amazement of onlookers.

Heavy pressure was resisted in the last few minutes, and to the delight of their supporters Burton finished as deserving 17 - 0 winners, and a place in the semi-final.

Burton U14 entertained a powerful and determined Coalville side in a game that thrilled from kick-off to final whistle, neither side giving up at any time and creating a nail biting last few minutes.

Coalville camped in Burton's 22 for the first 10 minutes of the game, but were unable to make it count as Burton's defence performed brilliantly in the face of a ferocious onslaught. Time and again the visitors tried to gain ground without success, Burton eventually turning over ball to gain ground as Coalville's frustration led to spilled ball. Burton then started to run the ball forward, with spirited attacks from Matt Stephens on the right wing only being stopped at the last minute by desperate Coalville defence. So the first half was played out until 5 minutes before the break when Coalville were penalised for holding on to the ball on the ground, at which point Tom Samways calmly slotted a kick to put Burton 3 - 0 up at half time.

In the second half scoring was a little more forthcoming, both sides keen to improve on their scorelines. As a result a fantastic game ensued, both teams attacking powerfully and defending manfully throughout. It was only a matter of time before a try came, Coalville scoring first from a tidy back row move, which they converted to lead 7 -3, before Burton struck back only moments later as Samways shrugged off two tackles to strike back, unconverted but Burton back in charge at 8 - 7. A fierce period of Coalville pressure was resisted well by Burton, Jo Briggs and George Phillips in particular working like trojans to keep out attackers just in front of the line, while Jack Elton performed brilliantly in the loose to take out several runners.

As the game neared the end, Coalville scored once more as they punished a Burton knock-on, and although unconverted probably thought that was it - but no, as Burton had not yet given up, and to the joy of the home crowd Patrick James scored a brilliant try straight through the defence lines for Burton, converted by Matt Boden to give Burton a 15 -12 lead with no time left for the visitors to re-group.

Burton U14s finished off 2004 with an exciting but ultimately disappointing game against a strong and well drilled Market Bosworth team at home this weekend.

Up front the two sides were quite evenly matched, some great tackling from Burton forwards preventing Bosworth making inroads, but as soon as the visitors were able to move the ball wide they found ample space to run into, which they used to their advantage. Weak Burton defence gave Bosworth an overlap several times, and they punished this by running in 7 tries, almost all of which were scored by their pacy wingers.

Later in the game, Burton were able to raise their performance, and some great ball carrying from Oliver Randall and Jan Cleary took the game back to Bosworth, while Matt Boden had a great game on the Burton right wing to prevent Bosworth making ground, but whilst Matt Stephens ran in a fine team try just before the whistle, it was too little too late to prevent a 41 -5 loss.

Burton U14 travelled to Stafford to play what turned out to be a very entertaining and enjoyable game.

After a very spirited start when they were unlucky to score right from the kick-off, Burton were forced back into their own half by strong pressure from Stafford's pack, who used their physical presence well against a Burton pack that had perhaps not yet fully woken up. The home side forced their way over to score 2 unconverted tries before Burton then started to control play better.

It was clear that given clean ball, Burton had the edge for pace, and powerful running from Oliver Randall at No 8 opened up the defence more than once, Randall crossing the line himself twice before half time to level the score shortly before the break at 10 -10. This set up a thrilling second half.

During the initial period of second half play Burton were totally dominant, the forwards gaining clean possession which was well used by the backs, strong runners David Dew and Tom Samways being unlucky not to score several times. Stafford started giving away penalties regularly, Adam Brookes crashing over on the left following one such incident, this try being converted by Ben Marshall, shortly followed by Joe Briggs opportunist dive onto spilt ball that took Burton well into the lead.

The game was not yet over, however, further scoring coming from both sides before the end, Stafford to take their score to 15 points, while Burton closed their account by punishing another Stafford penalty as Patrick James picked up from No 8 to dash in blindside, finshing off at 29 - 15 a great team performance.

Burton U 14’s played a newly formed Ashby side which turned out to be a high scoring affair.

David Dew opening the scoring with a touchdown in the far corner after a 50metre run. Good forward play led by pack leader Adam Brookes saw George Phillips score soon after. Quick set ball from the forwards passed out along the three quarters gave Jack Elton the opportunity to show his pace & power scoring two in quick succession, followed by another two tries from pacey winger Luke Day. Powerful forward play & support from all players saw Patrick James (x2), Jan Cleary & Adam Brookes all score tries. Ben Marshall adding two conversions.

Burton dominated play with David Dew from the wing scored a further two tries with Olly Randall crashing over with his usual finesse. Some changes were made at half time & it was good to see James Leverington back in action. A spirited Ashby side continued to take on Burton but were convincingly beaten 69 – 0 .

Burton's Under 14 squad underlined the massive progress they hav made this season with a tremendous County Cup Semi Final against Stoke played under floodlights after having been postponed due to an unplayable pitch.

Right from the start of the game Burton fought bravely and with considerable skill against Cup holders Stoke, and for a long time the game could have gone either way. Early on, Burton did more attacking, a break from van-Daesdonk being a highlight as the backs showed their superior pace over their opposition, while the forwards withstood massive pressure from a physically dominant Stoke pack. Stoke's preferred attack by stand-off and centre simply didn't materialise through the courage and tenacity of Burton's back row of Briggs, Varney and James, while the Crofter's centre partnership of Randall and Elton did sterling work to catch any attempted Stoke breakaway. Out wide, Burton's wingers Stephens and Dew clearly had the edge, although limited clean ball prevented them from showing their skills, while unseen efforts from Gibbs and Cleary made Stoke work hard at every scrum.

Stoke's pressure eventually paid off, as a rare Burton defensive error let them in to the corner to score an unconverted try, which only served to raise the Burton team's game further. However, a combination of uncharacteristically poor ball handling and some distinctly unusual refereeing decisions stifled the Crofter's game in the second half, while Stoke scored a second lucky try from a snatched kick through the Burton lines. Burton's night was perhaps summed up when the referee inxplicably blew up just as their driving maul was 5 metres from scoring immediately under Stoke's goal posts, a score that could have turned the game around with just 10 minutes to play - just one that got away. The game may have finished at 10 - 0 in Stoke's favour, but the lasting memory will be one of couageious and stylish play from a Burton team that has come a long way in a very short time.

Burton Under 14s tavelled away to Mansfield on a blustery and cold day to face a very strong home team who have been undefeated in 4 years.

A shaky start against Mansfield's strongest line-up put Burton on the back foot, with 3 soft tries given away inside 10 minutes, before the Crofters woke up and started to respond with some fantastic tackling, notably from Phillips, Randall & Varney. The game stabilised for some while, and Burton were able to gain some possession, albeit mainly inside their own half. Some intelligent kicking from Randall and van-Daesdonk put the home team on their back foot, and at the 30 minute mark this resulted in a Burton line-out on the Mansfield 22, from which good handling and direct running put Leverington over in the corner to score Burton's first points of the game.

In the second half Burton put in a strong performance, taking the game to their hosts through pressure from constant hard work from the forwards, Briggs, James and Gazzard successfully winning ball at many a ruck and maul. Once more into Mansfield's 22 and clean ruck ball was well used by the backs to put Samways under the posts for Burton's second try, this converted by Marshall to take the Crofters' score to 12 against the home team's final 40 points. Thus finished a difficult day, but one the Burton lads can look at as a fine team effort against potent opposition.

Burton U14s hosted local rivals Lichfield at Shobnall in a tight game that allowed both sides to claim credit for some excellent rugby, irrespective of the final score.

From the outset Lichfield showed intent by pushing Burton back into their own 22 through some probing kicks, forcing the Crofters into the defence, a task they were well up to but which prevented them from showing their pace out wide. Burton's tacklers did a great job, some excellent work from Varney and Briggs throughout the game being highlights, while Lichfield were unable to move wide themselves as Dew & Samways held them out.

Lichfield were slightly the stronger at ruck & maul, and it showed as they ripped ball from a ruck on Burton's goal line, scoring an unconverted try as just reward for their pressure. They scored again from concerted forward pressure before the break to take a 12 -0 lead into halftime.

In the second half Burton were more adventurous, and on several occasions pushed Lichfield onto the defensive, Samways winning a tit - for- tat kicking battle with Lichfield's stand-off, while Elton and Dew made good ground with ball in hand. The narrow Shobnall pitch did not help the Crofter's cause, however, as every time Burton attacked the Lichfield defence was able to shepherd them into touch, from where their significant height advantage in the line-out paid off. This advantage was used to good effect by the visitors, who managed a further try late on to take a 19 -0 victory, a scoreline that many felt flattered them somewhat, and gave the Burton lads good heart compared to the previous seasons heavy losses to Lichfield.

Burton Under 14s faced a determined challenge from visiting Earlsdon in what proved a tight and at times niggly game where neither side could really claim to dominate.

From Burton's kick-off Earlsdon showed early on how they intended to play, through taking the ball into contact with their strong pack, whose plan was to force their way through the defence to the line. Although they made good ground early on, their plan was foiled by superb defence from Burton, some massive tackles coming in from Joe Briggs and Jan Cleary, while the whole pack responded brilliantly to the pressure, halting several mauls and turing over ball.

In fact after the initial onslaught most of the first half was played in Earlsdon's half, as Burton worked together well to pressurize the visitors into mistakes, and showing their clearly better handling when the ball was cleared from the forwards. It was this consistent pressure that led to a well worked Burton try, as the pack forced their way across the line for Patrick James to ground the ball. Although unconverted, this 5 - 0 lead took Burton into the break.

After the break Burton faced up to a massive onslaught from Earsldon, who were determined to win at all costs, their players tempers starting to fray as the defence held firm. Burton's Jack Elton & Ben Marshall making crucial tackles to stop back row moves on several occasions. This fierce attack could only be withstood for so long, however, and eventually the visitors scored an unconverted try to end a by now bad tempered game in a 5 - 5 draw.

Burton Under 14s entertained Loughborough in what turned out to be a demonstration from the home team of how to rack up a considerable points tally, whilst keeping a clean sheet defensively.

Almost immediately from the kick Burton started to dominate, making much better use of the ball than their visitors, who quickly began to play on the back foot in their own half, where they would remain throughout the vast majority of playing time.

Burton's first score came from a charging move through the centres, Jack Elton grounding the ball, converted by Tom Samways to lead 7 - 0. This did not remain the score long however, as Burton broke right to send David Dew speeding along the wing into the corner, unconverted this time. Try 3 came from Elton once more, breaking right and then moving the ball back into the centre, the conversion missed by a whisper. This took the tally to 17 -0 at half time.

After the break it was business as usual, quick ball from a scrum letting Oliver Randall in under the posts for try 4, which Samways duly converted, very shortly followed by number 5 as Loughborough kicked possession away fruitlessly, Dew again punishing them with another fine run to the posts. Samways added the extras.

By now the visitors were tiring, kept at bay by fine tackling from Burton's forwards, Jan Cleary having an excellent game at prop and in the loose, along with Patrick James at no. 8, who scored try 6 after picking up from the base of a scrappy scrum. Try 7 came soon after as Randall fly-kicked loose ball, while the by now demoralised visitors had their passing intercepted to put Elton in for his hat-trick, again Samways converting. The 9th and final try came from champagne rugby as Samways swept aside all opposition to dash from Burton's 22 all the way to the line, rounding off a magnificent 53 - 0 win for the Crofters.

Having been given the honour of playing on the Croft and being convincingly beaten earlier on in the season by the same team Burton were in no mood to be generous to the opposition. Determined not to give Derby an early try Burton fought hard in all departments. The forwards were more professional and hard nosed about the role they had to play and the backs were not going to let anybody past. After a fairly even first 15 minutes the Burton centres decided not to try and bash their way up the middle and instead gave the wingers a run on the hard ground. This resulted in David Dew getting a pass just inside his own half and with space in front of him he duly got into top gear and left the Derby defence floundering to score under the posts. Burton now began to realise that defence keeps them in games and fast runners will win it for them. With the Derby defence now concerned about letting the Burton wingers get the ball gaps started to appear with Ollie Randall taking advantage to score the second try. With this try being converted by Ben Marshall Burton went into half time 12 – 0 up.

The second half Burton kept up the pressure, spinning the ball wide and quickly recycling the ball when ever possible. Kieran Dadley using skills not normally associated with a hooker broke two tackles and ran like a winger to go over in the corner. With the Derby defence not giving up but finding it increasingly hard to cope with the Burton attacks Jack Elton went over with a break through the midfield. Tom Samways kicking a fantastic conversion to make it 24 – 0. In the end the Derby defence were being stretched all over the field not knowing where the next Burton attack was going to come from and Ollie Randall went over for another try breaking 2 tackles whilst over the try line just to make the kick easier. Final score 29 – 0. To be fair to Derby they did manage to get over the Burton try line on various occasions but stubborn defence kept the ball either off the ground or had Burton hands underneath it to deny the try.

The coaches were very pleased with this result and they felt as long as they didn’t give the opposition early tries they could beat anybody on the day.

Burton U14s finished off a great Peel Croft weekend in style with a comprehensive 54 - 0 win over Derby in a repeat of a game held only a couple of weeks earlier.

On that earlier occasion, Burton had won convincingly, and as expected Derby wanted to avenge that defeat. However the home side were well up for anything that their visitors threw at them, and dominated the game from start to finish. This was a whole team performance, the forwards dominating at the scrum, while Burton's backs cut the defence to ribbons every time they had the ball.

Burton's first try came under the posts as Oliver Randall broke free and charged in to score. This was the start of the home team's domination of play, Randall himself going on to score 2 further tries, his outside centre partner Jack Elton 2 and winger David Dew 2 more in a demonstration of both power and pace out wide. This was champagne rugby at its finest, as half-backs Charley Cash, Ben Marshall & replacement James Leverington worked tirelessly to keep the ball hungry backs supplied with some excellent quality passing.

The forwards were not to be outdone, as No 8 Patrick James powered over for more points, and a superb performance from Jan Cleary being rewarded by a further try, while Joe Gazzard and Adam Brookes starred in loose play to get the ball moving wide. The whole pack worked continually to provide a platform for Burton's ball carriers, and it was clear the work done in training on offloading in the tackle is paying off handsomely.

This superb team performance was capped off, in his last game for the club before a family move to Belgium, by Randall, whose audacious drop goal gained the onlookers admiration as a fitting end to his distinguished career with the club. All the players and coaches wish Ollie the very best of luck in the future and look forward to welcoming him as a guest player any time he's in Burton.

26/09/04	Burntwood (h)
03/10/04	Derby (a)
14/11/04	Rugby Lions (a)
21/11/04	Newcastle (a)
05/12/04	Coalville (h)
19/12/04	Mkt Bosw'th (h)
16/01/05	Stafford (a)
23/01/05	Ashby (h)
09/02/05	Stoke(a)
13/02/05	Mansfield (a)
20/02/05	Lichfield (h)
13/03/05	Earlsdon (h)
20/03/05	Loughborough(h)
10/04/05	Derby (h)
24/04/05	Derby (h)

21st November 2004 (Staffs Cup Qrtr Final)
Newcastle 0	v	Burton 17

26th September 2004
Burton 38	v	Burntwood 15

3rd October 2004
Derby 34	v	Burton 0

5th December 2004
Burton 15	v	Coalville 12

19th December 2004
Burton 5	v	Mrkt Bosworth 41