Burton ‘B’ XV unbeaten four match run came to an end when a much changed side, deprived of seven regular players, travelled to Sutton Coldfield with a bare fifteen players after last minute cry-offs had reduced the teams strength.  So with many players in unusual positions including a back line of six props Burton took to the field fearing the worst, but their never say die attitude and team spirit meant that although beaten they were not disgraced or shamed by a heavy defeat.

The game started with Burton’s spirit pushing back the Sutton team time and again and whenever the hosts tried to hit back they were knocked back by the tackling of Joe Counter, Dave Ward, Ben Stone and Alan ‘Teflon’ Taylor. This exocet like defence to keep Burton on the front foot and with the Burton pack giving 200% the deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of half time. Ian Fitzgerald broke through the Sutton defence like a wild zebra to offload to Sam Johnson. He made more ground before a ruck was set up and a pick up by Pat Winter saw him feed Tony ‘Professor’ Mumford to dive over in the corner for a superb team try. Dave Ward’s kick from the touchline had laser like precision as it bisected the uprights to give Burton a 7-0 lead at the break.

The second half saw Sutton, unlike Burton, being able to bring on fresh young legs and with the usual refereeing display at Sutton Burton soon realised that it would be impossible to score further points despite what they might try. Even a chip and catch on the full by Mark Topliss, a la Serge Blanco, was deemed to be offside even though he raced fifty metres clear of every other player on the pitch in one of the extraordinary decisions by the official in charge. Two late favourable ‘home’ decisions and a dubious penalty saw the hosts get the late scores to win the game, but the brave and tired Burton players deserve full credit for their efforts to continue the team’s unbeaten run.