Burton U14's  on 3rd February 2008

Sandbach B 19    Burton Lions 15

For the second match running Burton Lions went down to a last minute try . However this week, the result was on the back of  much improved performance . Having lost 32 points to 7 earlier in the season to Sandbach, this would show how the Burton Lions  are developing. The Burton lads played superbly throughout and competed all over the pitch. Burton started really brightly winning two scrums against the head and with the pack playing well as a unit. Owen Farrington looked strong at center and made some great runs which were well supported by Sam Turner. Tom Langley also made good ground and was setting the ball superbly allowing Buton to recycle the ball. However following some Sandbach pressure and playing into a gale it was Sandbach who opened the scoring with a try which was very well converted. Burton dug deep and took the game back to Sandbach. Alex Bowen made a powerful run and looked to have scored but was held up just short of the line. As Sandbach tried to clear their lines Burton were awarded a penalty which Bowen took quickly to score . In this exciting match it was Sandbach who scored next. This came as the strong wind deflected a pass and put the Burton backs under pressure. Again this was converted. The half time score Sandbach 14 Burton 5.

At half time there was great spirit amongst the Burton youngsters. There was real belief. It didn't take long to turn this into points. Tom Bunting put in a great high and long kick which Marcus Armitage chased down. Armitage kicked the ball on and chased it down for a try . The score now 14 - 10 .Burton were now playing some great rugby. Lewis Slack seemed to be everywhere on the pitch and Nicholas Cuffley was rucking really well. Michael Cooke playing second row for the first time had an excellent game. Burton kept the pressure on Sandbach and were rewarded with a scum 5 meters from the Sandbach line. An excellent scrummage set up Bowen to pick up at 8 and score his second of the day. Burton now had the lead 14-15. Sandbach raised their game , but equally the Burton defence looked much stronger than in recent weeks. Will Lord put in some great tackles and Robert Ramsell put in a some solid work to keep Sandbach out. Adam Cooke made a fantastic tackle on a Sandbach center but from the resulting scrumage Sandbach won the ball against the head to score a try. And so Burton went down 19 points to 15., but the performance was outstanding and similar performances will surely result in much deserved victories in the coming weeks.