Burton U14's  on 2nd March 2008

On Sunday Burton under 14's hit a milestone with 40 players representing the age group on the same day. This was achieved over two fixtures with the Stags playing away at Stafford and the Lions at home to Linley and Kidsgrove.

Burton U14’s Lions 22  Linley and Kidsgrove 0

Burton hoped to continue their recent good form but it was going to be difficult against Linley who had beaten Burton just a few weeks earlier. The game started evenly and Burton soon knew it would be tough when after just a few minutes Sam Wardega and Jack Champney had to leave the field with minor injuries. Burton soaked up early pressure and Owen Farrington made a couple of powerful runs, one beating six attempted tackles before being stopped just short of the try line. Burton had the put in at a scrum, Champney picked up and went on the blind side and ran in from 22 metres to score Burtons first try. In the second half from another scrum Linley fumbled a pass. Nathan Brooks reacted quickest, picked up and ran in to make it 10 – 0. He was playing his first game for Burton and besides his tries he made several telling tackles and some great runs one of 60 metres. Burton’s third try soon followed from a penalty. Champney took the ball and burst through from 20 metres. Seb Chesterman converted the try. Linley fought well but each time Burton were under pressure Burtons defence was good. At various times Michael Cooke, Champney, Brooks and Matt Prince did strong runs out of defence breaking several tackles. Burtons final try was started by Nathan Stokes who picked up a loose ball, he made the break then when tackled popped the ball up to Brooks who was there in support at pace and he raced over for his second try to make the final score 22 – 0 to Burton Lions. All in all a super performance with all the Lions, well led by Danny Stringer, playing their part. For the second week running they also conceded no points.

Stafford 17  Burton U14’s Stags 5

This game was played in very windy conditions which probably contributed to this being a scrappy match. Unlike the previous Sunday, the Stags were very slow to get started against a large and physical Stafford side. However they did win some early penalties but were struggling to find touch into the wind. As Stafford started to run with the ball Burton didn’t put their tackles in and eventually this told with a Stafford try. There were some signs of more effort. Ashley Allum made some strong tackles up front, but Stafford were next to score from a break and this try was converted. Finally Burton decided to play and started to match the commitment up front. This looked to have been rewarded when Alistair Weedon crossed the line from the back of a scrum .He was judged to be held up. However, soon afterwards, Burton again crossed the line with a powerful run from Josh Wilson setting up Henry Andrew to cross the line and this time the try was given. This made the halftime score Stafford 12 Burton 5.

In the second half Burton raised their level of commitment even higher. The power and intensity of the running and the tackles by both sides was immense. Time and again Burton put in big hits. However , Burton were creating little quality ball and struggled to find their backs. Stafford’s power did result in one further try, this would have been two but for an excellent brave tackle by Tom Hunt on a breakaway Stafford forward . A tackle completed by a second hit from Will Turner. And so at the end of the game Burton were left knowing they have come on a lot since last years heavy defeats against Stafford , but are also aware there is still more work to do. The final score Stafford 17 Burton 5.