Under 10's at Stoke in the Tigers Prima Cup on 18th November 2007

12 of the U10s represented Burton with distinction at today's Prima Cup tournament at Stoke RUFC. Oliver B: we missed you and hope you are feeling better soon.

Game 1: Burton 35 v Tamworth 0

The game started in the best conditions of the day, it was just cold and damp. That soon changed, and by partway through the first half the rain had closed in. Worse was to come. The U10s made light of the conditions. Every time Tamworth managed to get hold of the ball they were turned over. Tackling was fierce, but fair. Burton did not lose a single scrum, even against the head, and Tamworth never ventured over the half way line. In attack, Burton were just as ruthless, either bulldozing through the centre or sending the ball out wide to the wings. The score was 15-0 to Burton at half time and was extended further in the second half, where Burton finished 35-0 winners.

Try scorers: Danny Causer (2), Daniel Heale, Dylan Owen, Hugo McGee, Will Beardsmore and Will Betts.

Game 2: Burton 0 v Stafford 0

Buoyed by their victory over Lichfield, Stafford presented a much tougher proposition than did Tamworth. A forward dominated game, where the rain came in horizontally, eventually resulted in a 0-0 draw. This was a good game and both Burton and Stafford absorbed lots of pressure to cancel each other out.

Game 3: Burton 15 v Lichfield 0

Stafford went on to beat Tamworth in their final game of the group stage, but not by enough points, meaning that the Burton lads had to beat Lichfield in the last game to progress. However, by this stage, the rain had turned to snow and the lads were playing in a wet blizzard. The thermometer of the car recorded 0 celcius. Burton were straight out of the traps, rucking with efficiency and winning far more than their share of 50:50 ball. Lichfield were hardly able to get out of their own half. Three quick scores in the first half meant that Burton reached half time 15-0 to the good. Conditions in the second half were horrible: wet, cold and snowy, making handling difficult, resulting in a scoreless second half.

Try scorers: Daniel Heale and Charlie Bunting (2).

Burton U10s finished top of the group, and thus went on to meet Stoke in the final.

Game 4: The Final Burton 0 v Stoke 5

Bearing in mind just how wet and cold the kids on both sides were, the final was a great advert for mini-rugby. Stoke had the ascendancy and poured constant pressure on the Burton line. However, ferocious tackling from the Burton lads on the pitch meant that half time was reached with the score at 0-0. More of the same came about in the second half. Waves of attack from Stoke were repelled by stout Burton defense. The tackling was top notch and Stoke could not get through. The supporters on the touch line started to think about what might happen if the scores stayed locked at 0-0. Just how many tries had Stoke scored in their league? However, with less than a minute left, Stoke found a way through, scoring following a maul.

Stoke made it though to Welford Road for the Quarter Final of the Prima Tiger Cup. We wish them all the best, and will be waiting for them in the Staffordshire Festival.

What a day. I can't find the words to describe just how well the boys played in such poor conditions. They should sleep well all week and be proud!