Oadby Wyggs 49 Burton 15 on   Feb 17th 2008

This weekend, Burton U15s travelled to Oadby  Wyggs.  Fielding a combined side of 14 players (1 Rhino, 13 Cougars), Burton were grateful for the generous spirits of their hosts who lent them a player to make up the numbers.  In still bright and cold conditions, Burton hoped to build on the spirited performance of last week.

Oadby kicked off, immediately putting Burton under pressure.  Burton gathered themselves when they were awarded a scrum and used their set piece to set up Reece Collier for a try which was Converted by Tom Cooper.   Oadby, realising that there was a real danger from Burton’s attack, rallied hard and came straight back with an unconverted try.  Burton remained under pressure when Oadby followed up a charge down with a further unconverted try to take the lead.  Burton pressed hard in attack and were rewarded when Cooper slotted a penalty to draw the game level.  Burton retained parity with their hosts, until 25 minutes into the game.   Tom Cooper cancelling out an Oadby try with one of his own.  Then, as Oadby squeezed in 2 further tries before the half time whistle, Burton began to lose shape.  The half ended with a 27 – 15 score line which detracted from the opening efforts of the young ‘Crofters.

Starting the second half, Burton appeared to be seeking the opportunity to get back on an even footing.  However, due to an unfortunate incident when a Burton player struggled to gather the ball on his try line allowing the hosts to gain the next try.  From this moment Burton struggled to contain their hosts, due mainly to a loss of team work.  Although the Burton players kept up their levels of effort they struggled to achieve their full potential.  Due to their lack of shape and team discipline, Burton let their hosts score 3 unanswered tries to end the game 49- 15 in favour of Oadby Wyggs.

On reflection, this game saw each of the Burton players making plenty of effort only to see it wasted due to a lack of composure, this was compounded as the game wore on.  Had Burton shown the same team spirit and combined effort as they had in the opening 20 minutes, the result would have been far more preferable.

Comparing this fixture to the tremendous efforts they demonstrated in their previous game, Burton need to be aware of the lessons that are apparent.   Close and supportive teamwork combined with a more mature outlook are needed from all players before the team can progress to their full potential.