Burton 36 Willenhall 5 on   Feb 24th 2008

I don’t know whether a return to The Oxhay heralds the end of winter, but it certainly put a spring in the feet of the Burton team who, after a comprehensive performance, came out 36 to 5 winners against a spirited and disciplined Willenhall side.

There is a sense of déjà vu in reporting the game with an on form Jake Manning running in four of the six tries, with three in the first half. Adding to the total was a good 30 metre run into the left corner by winger Adam Lloyd mid way through the first half, with Ed Watkins powering over the line in the last few minutes of the game, with what seemed half a dozen Willenhall players hanging on for the ride. Conversions from Dominic Minns, Johnny Briggs and Sam Smith (Derby) added the last six points.

Willenhall’s points came just before half time with some shaky Burton defence allowing them over for an unconverted try.

This was a good all round team performance, but mention must be made of forward Nyle Davidson and scrum half Giles Rought-Whitta who had particularly good games, and the centre Jack Coetzee, who is just beginning to show his pace.

Particularly pleasing was the sportsman like spirit in which Willenhall accepted the result.

Finally - the referee- what an elegant performance!