Burton 'A' 33 Stafford 2nds 17 on 29th March 2008

A wind swept pitch and Stafford having no front row dictated how the game would be played with uncontested scrums and plenty of kicking. Despite uncontested scrums giving the advantage to the visitors the inclusion of four colts Rob Beddard, Rich James, Josh Cartwright and Will Peach gave Burton a distinct advantage in loose play. Burton’s handling and support skills kept Stafford on the back foot throughout the game.

Playing with the wind Burton controlled the first half with Darryl Banton and a fit again Ian Gilmour pulling all the strings to allow Dave Noon, Matt Tivey and Steve Cramp to score tries in addition to one apiece for themselves. But a series of simple penalty kicks enabled the visitors to keep in touch as the teams turned round at 33-12.

Facing the elements in the second half Burton had to contend with long searching kicks by Stafford as they used the wind for territorial gain. But Burton’s defence in this second period was as controlling as their attack was in the first as Ross Ward, Tom Atherton and Pete Baum covered every blade of grass on the pitch to snuff out any threats. Stafford did add a late try but it was too little too late as Burton ran out worthy winners at 33-17