Burton 'A' 5 Cinderford 2nds 43  on 9th February 2008

With their visitors, Cinderford, having travelled for two hours from the depths of the Forest of Dean to fulfil this fixture it was obvious from their preparation that Burton were in for a very tough afternoon. This view was further enhanced once the news spread that having only lost once this season this second team of a National League Three club was happy to travel so far as local opposition wouldn’t play them.

From the kick-off Cinderford’s powerful No. 8 was soon prominent as he powered forward and made in roads into the Burton defence to set up numerous strong attacking platforms for the visitors. All credit must go to the Crofters resolve because their dogged defence and excellent scrummaging technique helped keep the score down to twenty-six points until the last fifteen minutes.

A very young front row of Rich Paupe, Jason Hooper and Scott Waddell never backed away from the challenge, while the tackling of Tom Atherton, Matt Tivey, Russ Banton and Steve Cramp stopped many near certain tries. Sean Green and Dave Viles were always a threat to the opposition with their lineout work. But Burton’s only reward for all their efforts was a sole penalty goal by Darryl Banton midway through the first half to give a half-time score of 21-3.

A quick try from the visitors after the break took the score to 26-3 and although Burton increased their efforts no points were forthcoming. However, once the oppositions greater fitness kicked in they scored a flurry of another four tries to give a final somewhat flattering, but well-deserved score of 46-3.