Burton 'A' 22 Derby 2nds 17 on 3rd November 2007

A good start by Burton saw them win several rucks and mauls that took them close to the Derby line, but Derby demonstrated their that they were their normally strong well, organised outfit as their slick handling backs broke clear and found Burton wanting as they scored a converted try. Derby kept up the pressure and a long period of play with the visitors in the ascendancy saw Burton concede a penalty and Derby went 0-10 in the lead.

The second half began with Burton again on the receiving end as Derby piled on the pressure, but one Derby move saw Gavin Cole intercept in his own 22 and race the length of the field to score a surprise try. This demoralised Derby and the game swung completely around as the Crofters surged forward as Burton began to eclipse Derby’s first half performance.

Burton were winning all the fifty fifty ball and after winning a ruck in the visitors 22 the ball was spun out wide for Cole to loop round and create the extra man before touching down in the corner. Ian Cartwright’s conversion from the touchline took the score to 12-10 and Burton led for the first time in the game. Derby struggled to come to terms with this reverse and play was all Burton and a creaking Derby scrum near their own line saw Darryl Banton pounce on the loose ball to score a try. The conversion and a penalty further increased Burton’s lead to 22- 10. Derby got a late score while Burton’s Jamie Parker had a score disallowed for a dubious forward pass and so the final score somewhat flattered Derby at 22-17 to Burton.