Lichfield 2nds 40 Burton 'A' 10  on 19th April 2008

A somewhat depleted Burton ‘A’ XV featuring players performing in unusual roles travelled to play Lichfield but with the assistance of the strong wind behind them the team initially put their hosts under extreme pressure in the first half. With Steve Lucas, Rich Paupe and Jez Gibbs helping to produce some excellent rucking and ball retention the forwards kept the Lichfield side on the back foot and although missing several penalties Burton finally broke the deadlock when Dave Noon touched down in the corner. The move started in the Burton 22 and travelled along the complete back line before reaching Noon who left the full back trailing in his wake as he scorched into the corner. The Crofters continued to press forcing their hosts to give away penalties on a regular basis, and from one of these Ross Ward took a quick tap to break through the slumbering Lichfield defence and increase Burton’s lead to 10-0. Late in the half Lichfield pulled back three points after their centre was adjudged to have been blocked and the ensuing kick sailed between the uprights.

The second half saw Burton facing the wind and with Lichfield using it to its full effect an early knock on in the Burton 22 saw a period of solid pressure from the Lichfield side. From this they took the lead and never looked back for the rest of the game. A late rally by Burton in the last ten minutes unfortunately didn’t result in any points as the home side ran out victors by 40-10.