Burton ‘B’ XV got back to winning ways in this hard fought contest away at Spartans. From the start it was apparent that both sides were of equal strength and a war of attrition soon ensued, with Burton dominating lineouts and loose play but the hosts answering all the questions in the scrums.

A move involving seven phases saw Burton advance from their own line to the home 10-metre line. Quick ball saw Kev Billings set Dave Ward off on a run resembling an out of control missile as he careered this way and that before linking up with PJ Solomon, who streaked in from 20 metres for a fantastic try that Ward converted.

Leading 7-0 Burton possibly thought that they could easily extend this advantage now they had the wind at their backs, but they reckoned without Spartans resolve and much of the game was played in the Burton half. The only scores forthcoming were penalties and the home side won this with three, but Ward also converted two for Burton to give his team a welcome and deserved return to winning ways.