Arriving late Burton had very little time to get organised and warm up before their game against Dudley and initial exchanges saw the hosts demonstrating their better preparation. But as Burton became more used to their new formation that included Matt Tivey partnering Russ Banton in the centre, Colt Dan Eastwood at lock and a completely new backrow of Jon Hamilton, Jamie Parker and Tom Atherton they soon began to play some powerful and attractive rugby. Burton’s two Springboks Charl Neethling and Brendan Fall used their size and power to gain ground with some surging bursts, while Gavin Cole worked hard to establish territory with some sound kicks. But a series of unforced errors saw Dudley breakaway and score a converted try to take the lead. However, Burton hit back when Fall powered his way over for a score that Ian Cartwright converted to level the scores. Following this example Burton’s pack continued to take the game to Dudley with Jon Hamilton and Tom Atherton making penetrating runs before off loading to the three quarters where Tivey soon made his presence felt by taunting the opposition defence. But again Dudley broke clear and got their second converted try after Burton’s concentration lapsed and allowed big holes in their defence just on the stroke of half-time.

Burton started the second half promisingly with Cole, Tivey and Banton combining well and proving constant threats to the home defence. But an injury to Tivey saw Gavin Worth enter the fray at centre and he immediately chopped down Dudley’s large inside centre who had been the foundation of all their threats. Some good kicks by Cole saw Tristan Gill, Karl English and Russ Banton all give chase, but it was Ian Cartwright who latched on to one of these to score in the corner and then convert his own try. With the score now at 14-14 some strong forward play by Dave Viles, Steve Lucas and Jamie Parker saw off Dudley’s challenge, but their efforts were thwarted when the hosts were awarded a dubious penalty try to re-establish their lead. Burton redoubled their efforts and good work by Ian Jones and Steve Cramp was stopped just short of the line, while Burton’s pack held the opposition pack at bay and Dudley could only add a lone drop goal to their total to give them a final winning score of 24-14.