Burton 20 Newcastle 6 on March 2nd 2008

Semi finals are not for the faint hearted either as a player or spectator! Burton were looking to progress to their fourth cup final in succession but were up against a strong Newcastle team who had edged a victory over Burton earlier in the season.

Despite it being a glorious morning the strong blustery winds would make things difficult for both teams. Burton kicked off with an air of tension amongst the gathering supporters. Playing with the wind Burton began well, excerting pressure in the Newcastle 22 area. Some good rucking saw the ball pop up to Tom Worthy who burst over the line from 5 metres out. Unconverted so 5-0.
This promising early spell continued with Giles Rought-Whitta constantly putting the Newcastle scrum half under pressure. Good handling and tactical kicking saw Burton in control.

Newcastle gradually made progress up the pitch and this was then a sign of what was to come. Burton spent the remainder of the first half camped in their own 22. Constant pressure by a very determined Newcastle pack kept Burton pinned down with several 5 metre scrums. A penalty was awarded which was kicked bringing the score to 5-3. The half ended with neither team able to make any progress but the Burton team would need to raise their game in the second half.

Burton started the second period as they had the first. A superb kick by Dominic Minns into the corner, a lineout gathered by Tom worthy and a powerful drive by Nyle Davidson saw Burton edge closer to the line. The ball flowed through the back line out wide and then back for Charlie Wainman to score. Unconverted and Burton were ahead 10-3. And so the second half continued the way of the first with Burton pinned back, only some desperate tackles keeping the opposition out. The whole Burton team defended well but a word about Dominic Minns’ tackling around the base of rucks and mauls – it was immense.

Newcastle were awarded a penalty which was kicked. 10-6. The tension was by this stage unbearable. Another great clearing kick from Minns gave Burton a rare attacking opportunity. They didn’t waste the chance and a surging drive resulted in Jake Manning scoring in the corner. 15-6.

Newcastle continued to apply pressure but Ed Watkins received the ball on his own 22 metre line, left 2 Newcastle defenders standing and ran the length of the pitch to score. 20-6 and the relief amongst coaches and spectators was huge!

20-6 was the final score – Burton had reached the final (the hard way). Well done to Newcastle for a very determined performance. To reach 4 successive cup finals is an achievement that any team, at any level would be very proud of – well done lads.