Burton 48 Eccleshall 7 on November 11th 2007

In their latest league fixture, Burton U15 Cougars played host to Eccleshall RFC in their first ever meeting.  The Cougars hoped to increase their number of league wins and with perfect conditions on the Ox- Hay they had a great foundation to do it.

Burton kicked off, turning over their opponents’ possession within moments and put Reece Collier through to score the first try of the day.  A good team display gave him the opportunity to crash over the whitewash for his second try within as many minutes.  Eccleshall, to their credit, kept their heads and began to work hard to stay in the game.  Burton Cougars remained focussed and demonstrated good ball – skills to put Paddy Gaunt clear to show his exceptional turn of speed in scoring the third try .  Burton Cougars were riding high, but their exuberance was curtailed by a converted interception try from Eccleshall.   From then  on, the Cougars elected to play simple rugby and were soon in control once again.  Their composure may have been lost when the game stopped due to a Burton player’s injury, but they remained resolute.  Playing good team rugby, Burton put Reece Collier through to make his hat – trick shortly before half time.

Half time changes gave the Cougars the opportunity to use developing players, slowing the game slightly.  As such the play took on a new angle, rather than playing fast paced rugby with the ball moving swiftly from hand to hand; the Cougars played a phase game hitting ruck after ruck to gain and retain possession.  Tom Cooper opened the scores in the second half with a try that he converted himself.  Eccleshall did their best to exert pressure seeking a well deserved score but the Cougars were resilient in defence, finally gaining possession and driving up field.  Eccleshall put up a great defence on their try line but the Cougars continued to keep their heads as well as the ball.  Finally, Nathan Nickson took the ball over the line for his first try in Burton colours, the conversion was made by Cooper.  Burton continued their hard work, unlucky to have a try disallowed due to an earlier infringement.  Sam Hooper added to the score with a great finish to yet another drive up field, Cooper adding the extras once again.  The match was finished off with a further converted try from Cooper taking the final score line to 48 – 7.

In conclusion, this was another great result for the Cougars made more so when considering that there were key players missing in vital positions.  New recruit Ashley Westwood made a solid debut, Max Gower stepped up to the mark as scrum half, playing an excellent game around the fringes and at the break down.  Nathan Nickson, Matty Collier and Zac “ Nobby” Furner gained special commendation from the coaching team for their hard work and much improved enthusiasm going forward and dogged determination in defence. 

Our thoughts and good wishes are with Elliot Bexon who suffered a broken collar bone.  We would like to thank him for his courageous efforts on the pitch and wish him a speedy recovery.