Burton Vets travelled to play Uttoxeter and hopes were soon high as Richard Jones swerved passed his man to score in the corner and Paul Davis made the touchline conversion look easy as he stroked it between the posts to give Burton a 7-0 lead after just 10 minutes. But Uttoxeter hit back with three tries, two converted, as Burton struggled to come to terms with the pace of the game and took a 19-7 lead into the second half.

After a stern half-time pep talk by skipper Dave Brown the Burton team woke up and started to show their opponents who was the better team. They continually put pressure on the Uttoxeter line and once again that little ferret Tony Williams slithered in for two tries from round the base of rucks and with Davis kicking everything in sight Burton regained the lead at 19-21. But some sloppy defence cost them two tries to take the deficit to 29-21. But from the restart with skipper Brown urging them to greater efforts the Burton team surged forward with Darren Golder and new comer Norman Walker to the for quick ruck ball that saw Tony Williams break blind and fed Paul Davis, who not showing a trace of his years, sliced the Uttoxeter defence to find Nigel Cookson in support and touched down in the corner to take the score to 29-26 with five minutes to play. With Burton now in the ascendancy they powered forward looking for the score that would give them victory and once again it was stalwart Paul Davis who came up with the goods as he dummied his way over for a try that he then converted to give Burton victory and a final score of 29-33.

Williams 2T, Cookson 1T, Jones 1T, P.Davies 1T & 4C

Having been let down by their scheduled opponents Bromsgrove Burton were forced to take an away fixture against Essington but having had their unbeaten run ended in mid-week by Burntwood the Vets were in no mood to accept anything less than a win this week. Scores came thick and fast once the whistle had started the game with Colin Wood starting the rout following his charge from a lineout, then Tom Kirkpatrick raced in for the first of his brace and before the first 20 minutes had been played Tony Williams slithered in for a try which he converted himself to give Burton a 17-0 lead. The efforts of forwards Ian Dolman, Chris Samways, Dave Brown and Melve Gilbert always meant that ball was in plentiful supply for the Burton team as they rolled forward like a vintage steamroller. After 25 minutes a scrum on the Burton 10 metre line saw Les MacClenhan pick up and scamper the length of the field for a try that Huw Davis converted and with this Burton went into halftime leading 24-0.

After the break Burton kept up the pressure and despite one lapse that resulted in a converted try for Essington never looked in trouble as they piled on the points. But this half it was the backs turn to dominate the scoring as first Kirkpatrick completed his brace and then Huw Davis again demonstrated those nimble feet as he jinked his way over for two tries both of one which he converted while the other saw Norman Walker demonstrate the prowess of his left foot as he stroked over the conversion. So a 41-7 victory means that Burton Vets are once again at the start of an unbeaten run.

Saturday saw Burton Vets entertain Willenhall 3rd XV and with 26 players on hand they proceeded to annihilate their much weaker visitors in a very one-sided game. From the start Burton steamed forward and were soon rewarded with tries by Roxy Fearon(2), Simon Cox and Dave Watmough as both backs and forwards revelled against the under strength opposition. Even worse was to come for the visitors Burton’s dominant pack gave their rampant backs so much ball as it was to become and embarrassment as players began to try and be too inventive against such weak opposition that many chances went begging. But before half time further scores by Tony Williams, Paul Davis and Huw Davies(3) soon put the writing on the wall for the visitors with a half time score of 49-0 being posted.

Introducing several new players at half time skipper Dave Brown rang the changes but these new players did not provide the cut and thrust that the earlier ones had, so much so that Willenhall were the first to score with two unconverted tries from quickly taken tap penalties. Bur Burton rallied and added a further three tries through Karl Golaub, Rich Jones and Darren Golder, while Tony Williams added another for his brace. With Paul Davies adding two conversions Burton ran out winners by 73-10. Hopefully next week’s fixture against Stafford will be a more even contest for the Vets team as the usefulness of this strength of fixture must surely be questioned especially as at the same time the Club’s B XV were being just as heavily defeated by Willenhall 2nd XV, surely a fixture switch would suit both all four teams.

Whatmough 2T, Fearon 2T, Golaub 2T, H.Davies 1T, Williams 1T, Weakford 1T, P.Davies 1T, Cox 1T, Willetts 1T, P.Davies 5C, Jones 1C

Burton Vets travelled to play Stafford and were intent on adding to their winning run and after just one minute were 5-0 up after Tony Williams had caught the kick-off and raced in to get a score. From the restart Burton stormed back down the field and after some good forward work Rich Jones sneaked round the blindside to add another try. So with a lead of 10-0 after 5 minutes Burton became a little complacent and allowed Stafford back into the game when after several darting runs their out half raced in to score wide out. But Burton were soon reawaken and Tom Kirkpatrick added another try following a kick and chase from his own line, with Paul Davis adding his fist conversion Burton now led 17-5. With Paul Davis converting the next try after he and Tony Williams had combined to give Williams his second try Burton were in complete control leading and before half time Paul Davis converted his own try to give a lead of 31-5 at the break.

After the break Burton appeared lethargic and needed to be urged into action by John Cartwright who shouted his commands to all and sundry as he battled forward. With the forwards responding to this battle cry Burton surged forward and Rich Jones got his second try to increase the lead. Burton’s final efforts saw Karl Golaub once again demonstrate his silky skills as he slithered through the Stafford ranks to score under the posts and give Paul Harris a chance to add his name to the score list. So with a score of 43-5 Burton Vets extended their winning run to FOUR games.

Williams 2T, Jones 2T, Davies 1T, Kirkpatrick 1T, Golaub 1T, Davies 3C, Harris 1C

Burton Vets travelled to play Aylestone Athletic with twenty-eight players and intended utilising their numeric advantage to record another victory. Tries were soon forthcoming as Tom Kirkpatrick tore in to score for Paul Davis to convert after just 7 minutes. But two minutes later the hosts hit back to level the scores at 7-7. Another Burton try was soon on the board as Tony Williams caught Aylestone knapping with a quick tap penalty to restore Burton’s lead. A change in players saw Rob Ridley enter the fray and with his first touch he pounced on a loose ball to put Burton into a 17-7 lead at the interval.

After the break Burton a kick and chase saw Rich Jones beat the opposition to the ball for another try, which Davis converted. But the next try came from Aylestone who took advantage of some lethargic tackling to score a converted try to take the score to 24-14. But Burton soon struck back as Karl Golaub again showed his pace to score halfway out and with Davis converting Burton now had a 31-14 lead and were in complete control. With the forwards responding to some surging runs by Darren Golder and Chris Samways a rolling maul saw Rich Jones got his second try to increase the lead and even add the extra points himself. Then with five minutes to go Huw Davies got into the scoring act as he rounded four defenders to score under the posts and give Paul Davis another chance to add the extra points. This last score sealed another excellent win for Burton Vets of 45-14 to take their unbeaten run to FIVE games.

Jones 2T, Kirkpatrick 1T, Williams 1T, Golaub 1T, H.Davies 1T, Davies 4C, Jones 1C

Burton Vets travelled to play Newcastle fully intent on extending their unbeaten run and despite being down to a squad of only 18 players came away with their sixth victory on the trot after they defeated their hosts 17-9. From the start Burton appeared somewhat lax as they gave away two penalties that their hosts gratefully accepted, but after this early set back they quickly responded as the evergreen Tony Williams darted in for a blindside try that Paul Harris converted. Within 5 minutes Ian Weakford celebrated paying his membership as he darted in for an unconverted try after showing a clean pair of heels to the home defence. Although this gave Burton a 12-6 lead to take into the halftime interval it was possible the flamboyance of the Burton back line that had kept the score so low as they tried to play expansive rugby in the torrential rain.

After the break Burton began as they had the first half by conceding another penalty and with the Newcastle kicker not missing this closed the score to 12-9. The Burton forwards now began to use their weight, experience and common sense as they closed down the game and kept the ball tight driving into and through the Newcastle pack. This tactic paid dividends and meant that Burton now played most of the second half in the hosts half of the pitch. The powerful grip that the Burton pack held on the game meant that very few other players saw the ball as Dave Watmough, Chris Samways, John Cartwright and Dave Brown thundered into rucks and mauls intent on keeping the ball and playing a typically forward type of game ideal for the conditions. With ten minutes to go Tony Williams managed to snatch the ball from the marauding Norman Walker and jink over for his second try and seal the sixth win at 17-9.

Williams 2T, Weakford 1T, Harris 1C

Burton Vets at last had a home game to continue their winning run and duly obliged with a 50-12 victory over a Birches Head 1 st XV and so extend this sequence to seven victories on the trot. This eight try scoring extravaganza was started after two minutes when Rich Jones dived over to score from a scrappy line and with backs and forwards intermingling more were soon to follow as Burton laid siege to the visitors line. Ian Weakford out paced the defence to score under the posts and Paul Davis added his second conversion, before he too broke free and galloped fifty yards to score and convert from under the posts. With less than 20 minutes gone Burton now had a 21-0 lead as Birches Head hit back with two tries and one conversion to take a score of 21-12 into half time.

After the break Burton soon got their control back and led by Dave Brown’s wonderful attitude and example set about dispatching the visitors to a big defeat. Tony Williams was forever dancing and darting round the base of rucks and mauls and produced two typical tries before setting up Andy Betteridge for a try which Davis converted. But Burton were still not satisfied and with John Cartwright leading the fray the forwards set up a drive that saw Darren Golder hurl himself skyward as he dived over a maul to score in the corner. Then with the game practically over Les McLennan linked with Williams and Paul Harris to score the final try under the posts to give Paul Davis an easy chance to get his fifth conversion of the afternoon.

With the final whistle being blown Burton trudged of the pitch well happy with their seven successive victory and looking forward to more liquid refreshment in the bar.

Burton Vets travelled down the A38 to play Whittington and came away with their eighth win on the trot following this defeat of their hosts. After several minutes of intense forward effort both sides quickly settled down to a more mundane pace and Burton’s heavier but more mobile pack soon began to dominate the game with Ian Dolman, Dave Brown and Melve Gilbert always to the fore. After 25 minutes a scrum on the Burton 22 saw them take the opposition ball and Tony Williams raced up field and with the full back to beat he fed the ever-supporting Rich Jones who scored under the posts for Paul Davis to convert. Then on the half hour Tony Williams completely outwitted the Whittington defence to dart over from a ruck on the 22 and score in the corner. With a lead of 12-0 Burton now looked comfortable but just before the break a loose pass saw Whittington sneak a try to cut Burton lead to 12-5 at half time.

After the break Burton soon got their control back and surge up the field to lay siege to the host’s line and only wonderful defence by Whittington kept out Nigel Cookson, Huw Davies and Adrian Bullock. But the persistent Burton pressure eventually cracked the line as Rich Jones pounced on a loose ball and fed Darren Golder who held off the challenge of four tacklers to feed John Cartwright who ploughed 10 metres up field to feed back to the irrepressible Jones who darted over for his second try, which Davis converted. So a 17-5 victory saw Burton Vets increase their unbeaten run to eight games and yet another side was left to view the wonders of this current team led by Dave Brown’s wonderful attitude and example.

Having been let down by their scheduled opponents Bromsgrove Burton were forced to take an away fixture against Essington but having had their unbeaten run ended in mid-week by Burntwood the Vets were in no mood to accept anything less than a win this week. Scores came thick and fast once the whistle had started the game with Colin Wood starting the rout following his charge from a lineout, then Tom Kirkpatrick raced in for the first of his brace and before the first 20 minutes had been played Tony Williams slithered in for a try which he converted himself to give Burton a 17-0 lead. The efforts of forwards Ian Dolman, Chris Samways, Dave Brown and Melve Gilbert always meant that ball was in plentiful supply for the Burton team as they rolled forward like a vintage steamroller. After 25 minutes a scrum on the Burton 10 metre line saw Les MacClenhan pick up and scamper the length of the field for a try that Huw Davis converted and with this Burton went into halftime leading 24-0.

After the break Burton kept up the pressure and despite one lapse that resulted in a converted try for Essington never looked in trouble as they piled on the points. But this half it was the backs turn to dominate the scoring as first Kirkpatrick completed his brace and then Huw Davis again demonstrated those nimble feet as he jinked his way over for two tries both of one which he converted while the other saw Norman Walker demonstrate the prowess of his left foot as he stroked over the conversion. So a 41-7 victory means that Burton Vets are once again at the start of an unbeaten run.

Travelling away again Burton Vets produced another excellent victory over a strong Moderns side who didn’t know when to give in. Time and again Burton looked to have victory in hand but each time they scored Notts came back with a score until the last 20 minutes when Burton's superior fitness paid dividends and they scored two tries to clinch victory.

After just 5 minutes Paul Davis strode in for the first of his brace that he duly converted, but within two minutes Notts levelled the scores. Then the Burton backs had a purple patch when they combined brilliantly on several occasions and produced tries for Tom Kirkpatrick and Ian Weakford, so setting up a lead of 17-7 but just before half time Notts struck back with a converted try and at the break Burton’s lead had been cut back to 17-14.

After the break Burton kept up the pressure but could not break down the Notts defence and a passage of play that swung from side to side and end to end saw the hosts begin to weaken as stamina sapping mud took its toll but not before Burton had succumbed to a sucker tap penalty that saw Notts snatch the lead to go into the last quarter 17-19 ahead. But Burton’s power pack of Colin Wood, Darren Golder and Steve Mee followed skipper Brown’s example and upped the work rate to lay siege to the Notts line and Burton’s three quarters did not let them down as Paul Davis snatched a try for his brace and then on the stroke of full time Huw Davies weaved his magic to feed Karl Golaub who ran in from three yards for Steve Monaghan to convert.

These final two scores gave Burton a well-earned 29-19 victory over a very dogged Notts team.

Despite a travel weary start being 7 points down after 2 minutes Burton Vets came back to produce another excellent victory over a strong Mansfield side this Saturday. Having recovered from this early set back Burton settled down to produce some excellent rugby and won a hard fought game with three unconverted tries. First Rich Jones kept up his try a game sequence when he stormed through the Mansfield defence like a ‘sluggish exocet missile’ to score under the posts. Then Huw Davies turned back the years to show his twinkling footwork that was more reminiscent of Fred Astair than Gerald Davies as he sliced passed three floundering defenders to score half way out. So at half time Burton had a 10-7 lead that would have been more had Paul Harris had his kicking boots on rather than his gym shoes.

After the break Burton kept up the pressure but could only get one more score on the board when Tom Kirkpatrick swung his hips from side to side as he shimmied his way through the defence to again score close to the posts, but once again Burton failed to convert. But Burton’s power pack of Colin Wood, Melve Gilbert and Steve Mee followed the example set by Dave Watmough (fresh from his Maoris feast) and never allowed Mansfield to get any rhythm going as they lay siege to the Mansfield line. But no more scores were forth coming so Burton had to settle for a 15-7 victory to further extend their unbeaten run.

Derby took the lead after just five minutes in this local veterans derby played on the Ox-Hay, but Burton were not to give up their winning run easily and soon hit back when Paul Davis strode onto a beautiful pass from Huw Davies to score and convert his own try. This put Burton in the lead at 7-5 and with both sides not giving or taking a quarter the rest of the half saw the teams embroiled in a hard fought contest.

After the break Paul Davis got his second try following some excellent work by Tony Williams, who had been a thorn in Derby’s side all game, with Davis also adding the extra points he took his and Burton’s total to 14 points. Despite Derby’s efforts the Burton line held firm with John Cartwright, Colin Wood, Dave Watmough and Andy Betteridge all producing excellent try saving tackles and with ex first team coach Karl Ashfield making a seasonal re-appearance to add considerable weight to the Burton cause Davis’s points were enough on the day to give Burton their twelfth win of the season.

Burton travelled to Stoke and once again it was Paul Davis, enjoying his second childhood that stole the honours with 2 tries and 3 conversions, as Burton strode to yet another victory.

Although as is not unusual Stoke took the lead while Burton got the travel weariness out of their legs that was the only time the Burton line was ever threatened as the Burton pack soon established a dominance that dictated the outcome of the game. With Karl Ashfield, Chris Samways, Darren Golder and Andy Betteridge making surging runs scrumhalf Tony Williams soon scored a try as he picked up and broke blind from a ruck in the left hand corner to score a try, which saw Davis slot over the conversion from the touchline. Then Davis caught his own kick ahead to race over for the first of his brace, which he also converted. So at 14-5 Burton now began to play ‘champagne’ rugby as, much to the forwards' dismay, the backs threw the ball around with gusto for Ian Weakford to dart past three defenders and score. Then Rich Jones took a beautiful inside pass from Paul Harris to burst threw the opposition ranks and score a try just before halftime.

After the break Burton now leading 24-5 slacked off a little and possibly tried to play too much cavalier rugby and paid the price by not scoring with over elaboration resulting in dropped passes or knock-ons. But such was Burton’s forward dominance that any set piece resulted in Burton possession, and from one such scrum Paul Davis got his second try following some excellent work by Simon Cox and Mark Adams, whose tenacity had been a continual pain to the Stoke defence, with Davis also adding the extra points he took his total to 14 points and Burton’s to 31 and so give Burton their thirteenth win of the season.

Burton played host to Stafford and extended their unbeaten run to six games with a well-earned victory over a dour Stafford side. Once again it was halfbacks Tony Williams and Paul Davis who controlled the show with the former scoring two tries. Burton again started lethargically and paid the price as Stafford scored a converted try by virtue of some lack lustre defence. But the Burton pack soon established a dominance that dictated the rest of the game with Karl Ashfield, Colin Wood, Darren Golder, Rob Ridley and Andy Betteridge all enjoying their second childhood as they revelled in the contest. This coupled with Huw Davies and Ian Weakford making surging runs to provide scrumhalf Tony Williams with acres of space that he soon scored a try as he picked up and broke blind from a ruck in the left hand corner to score a try, which saw Paul Davis slot over the conversion from the touchline. Then Simon Cox broke clear but finding the line too far to reach was glad to see Les MacClehanan in support to feed him as he raced in unopposed from thirty yards. The forwards then got into the act from a line-out where Dave Watmough leapt high above the rest to tap down into the path of the rampaging Karl Ashfield who ‘bulldozed’ his way over from 5 metres out.

After the break with Burton now leading 17-7 the game deteriorated with both sides aimlessly kicking away ball and little creative rugby being played until Tony Williams again popped up and linked with Rod Ridley and Dave Cresswell before retaking the ball to slither over for his second try. So with the score at 22-7 the game ended and saw the Vets collect their fifteenth win of the season with a hard and well-contested victory.

Burton played host to Whittington and extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a well-earned victory in a well contested entertaining game. Once again it was halfbacks Tony Williams and Paul Davis who controlled the show with the former scoring two tries while the latter added two conversions. Burton began well when Rich Jones snatched up a loose ball at the back of a line out and barged over from 5 metres. The Burton pack soon established a dominance that dictated the rest of the game with Colin Wood, Dave Brown, Dave Watmough and Andy Betteridge all well to the fore on all occasions. With this control Burton backs enjoyed plenty of ball that saw Huw Davis and Paul Harris causing havoc in the visitors defence. Before the break a try a piece by Davis and Williams were added to Burton’s score with Paul Davies converting both giving Burton a 19-0 lead just before half time, but lax defending saw Whittington break out of their own half for the first time and score a converted try as their winger ran 50 metres.

After the break with Burton now leading 19-7 the game saw both side up the tempo with Whittington aided by the wind beginning to put pressure on Burton . But heroic defending by Rich Jones, Andy Betteridge, John Cartwright and Norman Walker kept the visitors at bay. A high kick by Whittington was well taken by Aide Bullock who fed Davis to weave through several defenders before retuning the ball to the supporting Bullock who touched down wide out. But Whittington continued to use this tactic and two similar kicks were not dealt with so well and resulted in two unconverted tries for the visitors. Following these scores Burton dug deep into their reserves and soon took play back into the Whittington 22 and Tony Williams got his second try with his usual blind side dash from 10 metres. Then another of these darts but from, perhaps optimistically, from somewhat further out saw him stopped after 5 metres but with Davis in support for a little popped pas to race off and cover the remaining 10 metres to score his second try. So with a final score of 34-17 Burton continued their winning run and returned to a cold clubhouse to try and warm it up with yet more celebrations.

Burton travelled to play a strong Lichfield Vets side that was unbeaten at home for the last two seasons and soon realised that their own unbeaten run was very much in danger of ending as torrents of green shirts poured forward in wave after wave to threaten the Burton line. The Burton defence held out for 30 minutes before conceding any points but two quick scores soon put the hosts 14 points clear. However, just before the break Tony Williams produced his usual dart and dummy to race over for a try in the corner to take the score to 5-14 at the break.

With the hosts controlling play in the second half and the Burton team having their minds on the cup-tie at the Croft later that afternoon Lichfield ran in four more tries one of which that was converted. But an excellent move involving the Burton back row and Ian Weakford saw the latter race through the home defence to score under the posts. With Paul Davies converting this a final score of 12-36 to Lichfield put an end to Burton’s eight match unbeaten run.

Burton played host to Newcastle 3 rd XV and following last week’s defeat were intent on securing a victory as within two minutes Norman Walker had shown some deft footwork to round the opposition fullback and score for Paul Davis to convert. Unfortunately in doing so Walker badly dislocated his finger and had to retire to hospital for treatment. But this loss seemed to stoke up Burton’s will to win as the forwards poured into the opposition territory every time they had the ball. One such excursion resulted in Mark Adams breaking clear to try and run thirty yards to the line and despite slowing legs he managed to reach there with three defenders on his back and ground the ball for a score. This marked half time and gave Burton a 12-0 lead.

Burton continued controlling play in the second half and the Burton backs received an abundance of ball with which to run their opponents ragged. Ian Weakford showed his pace and flair by rounding four defenders to score wide out and then Paul Davis cut loose in his own half to jink his way past numerous flat-footed defenders before racing forty metres to the line unopposed and then converted his own try to take the score to 24-0. Burton then had their normal mid-session break as they switched off and let Newcastle score a converted try with some abysmal tackling in the backs. But Burton hit back when a smart run by Tony Williams was well supported by Mark Wagstaff who took a pass to round the opposition winger and score wide out. This final score gave Burton a well-deserved win with a score of 29-7 to hopefully start off their next unbeaten run.

Burton travelled to Nottingham to play West Bridgford and were soon at the wrong end of some very dubious ‘home’ refereeing decisions, which at the end of the day was to affect the result of the game. Following a forward pass the home side were awarded a try under the posts and when this was converted Burton realised they had sixteen men to face and beat. To their credit the Burton team kept their discipline in the face of great adversity and eventually were awarded a penalty, following 10 that their hosts had received, and Paul Davis duly converted to take the score to 7-3. Just before the break another penalty to the home side was converted and took the score to 10-3 at the whistle.

Burton continued to hold their discipline in the second half and the Burton backs showed their skills when the rare opportunities arose, but more often than not the whistle cut short any promising moves. Although Adrian Bullock, Mark Adams, Dave Watmough and Mark Wagstaff all crossed the line each time the score was disallowed for either a forward pass or improper grounding. So the final score was one of 10-3 to the hosts, but the moral victory should really go to the Burton side that played all the constructive rugby in the game but were not credited with any points.

Burton Vets entertained Uttoxeter 2nd XV and produced a try scoring festival as they ran in 10 tries to totally overwhelm their opponents. In fact had Steve Monaghan had his kicking boots on the score line could well have read seventy points, but he had to make do with only converting 4 of the tries as well as missing three penalty attempts. With the Burton side in such an unstoppable mood it is difficult to single out any particular stars but credit must go to captain Dave Brown whose verbal and physical encouragement of his side ensured that no players rested on their laurels. After every try his words and slaps of support could be heard echoing round the ground as time and again he harangued his men for more effort to keep the onslaught going. His efforts were duly rewarded as Adam Willetts, Tony Williams and Tom Kirkpatrick got a brace apiece while Huw Davies, Simon Cox, Andy Betteridge and Les MacClennan all weighed in with a try each. However, his words must have been lost on himself as with the line at his mercy he dropped the ball and so the try that was a certainty until he got involved in the move, and this act produced cries of derision from one of his younger team-mates, notably Mark Adams, who was waiting to take the pass before Brown’s untimely intervention.

But Brown was not distracted by this and continued with his own iniquitous style of leadership to push his team on to greater efforts. Certainly the final score of 58-3 to the hosts say a lot to the way in which Brown manages to get the best out of his band of veterans.

Burton Vets travelled to play Willenhall 3rd XV and produced one of their poorer performances of the season with several players having ‘senior moments’ and failing to do the obvious. Playing into a strong wind Burton found it hard to make much forward progress in the first half and were continually pinned in their own half as Willenhall laid siege to the Burton line. But good defence by Andy Betteridge, Mark Adams and Dave Watmough helped to stem the onslaught, but pressure eventually told as Willenhall scored two tries before their points total was helped by a very strange penalty decision that gave them another 3 points to take a 13-0 lead in to the half-time break.

With the wind getting stronger and now behind them Burton started the second half well with Chris Samways thundering into the opposition half only to be stopped by the combined efforts of four defenders. However, Willenhall’s constant un-penalised handling in rucks slowed down any Burton possession and stopped Burton’s search for points. But after 10 minutes a break by Steve Monaghan found Nigel Cookson in support to cross for a try, and then a maul near the Willenhall line saw Les MacClenhan break clear to drop over the line for a try. But with Steve Monaghan’s conversion effort both sailing under the cross bar rather than over it, the amnesia had started to set in with the Burton team and they trailed by 3 points. Firstly Tony Williams raced clear and over the line but decided to circle behind the posts only to run over the dead ball line in the process, and then Colin Wood having attempted to fasten his boots earlier tripped over his own flailing laces with the line at his mercy. With other players passing to the opposition or just failing to catch the ball these ‘senior moments’ cost Burton the game and they had to settle for a 13-10 defeat.

Burton Vets, for the third time this year, travelled to play a strong Bromsgrove side and with several regular players unavailable were very grateful for the services of ’B’ team stalwart Tony Mumford to help ease their front row crisis, but not even his gargantuan efforts could stop the rampaging Bromsgrove side.

Burton were soon under the cosh as their hosts set about dictating play and dominating the game utilising their well organised pack and elusive backs to full effect. Three early scores by Bromsgrove emphasised that it was going to be a hard day ‘at the office’ for the Burton side, who could have done with more of their younger contingent to shore up the aging limbs of their elder brethren.

But while some of those Burton youngsters present, namely Simon Cox and Mark Wagstaff, did their share of tackling and chasing Burton’s other ‘youngster’ Rich Jones, who having the misfortune to be born on the wrong side of Offa’s Dyke, spent most of the game trying to emulate his fellow country men by attempting to drop goals from all over the pitch and only with his eighth and final effort did he actually get the ball 3 feet into the air never mind near the target. Jones’s performance helped emphasise the reality and not the myth that all Welshmen are rugby players, some are sheep, still it’s nearly St David’s Day. Burton had no answer to the opposition’s power and another Bromsgrove score took the score to 24-0 at half time.

With Burton now playing down the slope they got more into the game in the second half but still struggled to make in-roads into the Bromsgrove half, whose defence held firm at every threat. But after twenty minutes Paul Davis raced clear to score and convert his own try to give Burton some hope.

However, Bromsgrove’s power soon produced more scores as they added two further tries, one converted, to take the score to 36-7 to end Burton’s fight back. Perhaps with a full strength squad the score-line would have been more favourable but on the day the hosts deserved their victory.

Burton Vets played hosts to Trentham and produced another display of free flowing rugby to record another hefty victory. Burton soon showed their intent when after only 3 minutes Huw Davies sliced through the opposition ranks to score the first of his brace. With this conversion being missed like most of the others in the game it was obvious that tries would be needed to get any points on the board. After a period of dull play Burton sprung back to life with three tries in 5 minutes as first Tony Williams broke blind to dive over for a try followed by Simon Cox bulldozing his way over for a try and them Adrian Bullock appeared from nowhere to take an inside pass from the rampaging Mark Adams to score under the posts. With this last try seeing Nigel Walker just clearing the bar for the conversion Burton now led 22-0 and looked set for a massive total being run up after the break.

Burton started the second half sluggishly and it was Trentham who registered the first score with a well struck drop goal sailing between Burton ’s uprights. This jolted Burton back into life and reawakened Mark Adams as he began to get more involved in the game and was prominent in almost every Burton attack either providing the support or the initial break through. From one such move he fed Huw Davies for the second of his brace and then on another occasion he picked up and drove forward for twenty yards before being tackle but as he was he deftly slipped the ball to the forceful Darren Golder who sped over from thirty yards out to score in the corner. This finished Burton ’s scoring as they went back into their shells like snails do when tired. However, Burton ’s power proved to be too much for the Trentham team as they found it difficult to get any ball from the set pieces that were dominated by the heavy Burton pack. The final score of 32-5 did not really reflect the total dominance that Burton had shown throughout the game.

After last weeks defeat by Burton ‘B’ XV the Veterans knew they were in for a difficult afternoon against a Lichfield Vets side that had already beaten Burton’s ‘A’ team earlier in the season and matters were made worse by the lack of players available for this match. With no regular scrumhalf available Ben Peach added his youth and skill to the Vets cause but even this failed to stop the defeat.

Although able to match their visitors in the set pieces once the ball was spun out around the park Burton were unable to cope with the oppositions pace and guile in the backs and even more bad luck was to hurt Burton’s cause when after 10 minutes centre Roxy Fearon was stretchered off the pitch with what appeared to be a very serious back injury, but fortunately after hospital treatment he was able to be released with severe bruising and a dislocated shoulder to go home. However, his loss did little to help the Burton cause and meant a reshuffle in the Burton backs with a half-fit Paul Harris having to come on and play practically a full game. With the Burton pack providing some ball Huw Davies was able to stamp his mark on the game with two impressive tries but against the Lichfield six tries, even these made little impact on the final score line of 10-46.

Despite the size of the defeat the Vets can draw some credit in the way they stayed battling on to the end showing a commitment that will stand them in good stead for their forth coming tour of the Bristol area at Easter.

Burton travelled to play Leek 3 rd XV and shared the honours in a 27 point draw. Early forward pressure by the Burton forwards saw Chris Samways power his way over for an early score, which Nigel Walker converted, but almost immediately their hosts responded with 2 unconverted tries to gain the lead. Burton settled down to play some nine man rugby as their pack plus Tony Williams kept pushing the ball up field to keep the Leek side penned in their own half. On one such occasion Williams saw an opening and darted down the blind side for a well taken try. Them Williams again broke and finding Rib Ridley in support he fed inside for the latter to race in for try. But the hosts responded with two tries of their own to regain the lead just before half-time.

Burton continued to use their forwards to rumble forward gaining ground with many rolling mauls and good runs by Dave Brown, Chris Samways and Darren Golder. But a breakaway converted try by Leek extended their lead to 27-17 and Burton had it all to do in the last twenty minutes. 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 centre Huw Davies who jinked and jived his way through the Leek defence to score an unconverted try. This left Burton trailing by 5 points and they now tore into the Leek ranks led by skipper Brown rallying his men for one last effort. A great run by Tom Kirkpatrick saw him brought down ten yards short of the line but with Colin Wood, Steve Mee and the ever present Ridley up in support quick ball saw Tony Williams scamper over for his second try of the day. This made the scores level but with only two minutes to play Burton were unable to register another score, so the final whistle signalled the end of play with scores level after Burton’s remarkable come back.

Burton destroyed Stoke in the same length of time as it takes an express train to go through Burton station with a blitz of 6 tries in a twenty-minute spell just after half time. Prior to this Burton had looked like shunting train in a coal depot as through strolled through the first half lacking passion or drive and in this period Stoke to ample opportunity to build up a 14 point lead with three tries, two of which were converted. In reply Burton could only manage a solitary score by Tom Kirkpatrick just before the break when he steamed passed opposition players to score out wide.

A stern lecture by captain Dave Brown certainly must have inspired the Burton team as they certainly hit the tracks running from the whistle as they tore into the bewildered Stoke side who thought they had been in for a comfy victory. From a half break by Rob Ridley Tony Williams was up in support to race over like a rocket to take Burton ’s score to 10 points. Then after the forwards had built up a head of steam to rumble over the Stoke pack quick ball to Nigel Walker saw him score the first of his brace. Huw Davies once again showed that his legs just keep rolling along as he jinked over for his first having taken an inside pass from Darren Golder. This score put Burton in the lead at 20-18. A good break by Andy Betteridge saw him link with Colin Wood who limbered ten more metres before finding Nigel Walker in support to complete his brace. But there was no stopping the express train now as the Burton pack with steam billowing from its ears drove forward and set up ruck after ruck to release Huw Davies yet again for him to take an outside curved run that left opposition players in amazement as he put the ball down to score his second. Another tremendous surge led by skipper Brown saw the ball shunted between five or six pairs of hands before Dave Watmough sensing a score for himself set sail at a cracking pace but with legs tiring, or the thought of a free jug, he saw Davies in support on the outside and so fed the ball to him and he completed the move with a try that gave him his hat trick.

This completed the scoring and a truly remarkable period of twenty minutes that had seen the Burton team transform themselves from something resembling a tired old work-horse shunting engine into a team more comparable to the ‘Flying Scotsman’ as they tore around the field scoring tries in abundance. So with a final score of 35-19 Burton could return to their ‘sheds’ to compare numbers and notes.

Playing the opposition’s third team was always going to be a struggle for Burton Vets but with ‘A’ team players not turning Rob Ridley was taken from their midst to bolster this team’s back-row. This loss resulted in a green haze of envy spreading over the rest of the Vets knowing how much they would miss the precious little leprechaun as much as Ireland would miss the newly crowned king of the Lions, Brian O’Driscoll. But out of respect for Ridley, or even O’Driscoll, the Vets tore into the opposition like wolfhounds and soon scored a try with Tom Kirkpatrick racing in for a try in the corner to give Burton a 5-0 lead. However, Burntwood hit back and laid siege to the Burton line for the rest of the half, but with Andy Betteridge, Darren Golder, Melve Gilbert and Colin Wood tackling like banshees the line stayed intact until 10 minutes before half-time when the visitors ran in three tries to take a 5-15 lead into the break.

Taking his example from Lions captain O’Driscoll Dave Brown set about rallying his troops for a second half comeback against this younger fitter side and from the whistle his ‘green army’ stormed into the visitors. A half break by Tony Williams saw him feed Huw Davies who weaved passed three defenders before passing to Ian Weakford who raced forty metres to score under the posts for Steve Monaghan to convert. Then Steve Monaghan kicked ahead and won the chase to the touch down to take the score to 17-15 to Burton. But at this point the luck of the Irish deserted Burton as Burntwood tightened their grip on the game and began to exert pressure on the Burton line. Once again ferocious tackling by Burton’s defence, Particularly Simon Cox, Roger Cookson, Dave Watmough and John Cartwright kept the visitors at bay but the persistent pressure paid off as Burntwood scored three further tries converting one to gain a victory of 17-32 and so dampen the crowning of king O’Driscoll.