Under 10's at Stoke on 3rd February 2008

On 3rd February, the Burton U10 Lions made the journey across to Stoke to play in fixtures against the County Champions Stoke and Willenhall.  Despite the dire weather forecast, the day turned out to be dry if a little cold, and the lads all showed great determination to play on through the morning.

Game 1:   Stoke 15   Burton 0.

First up, a match against Stoke RFC, who played their first team.  As some will remember, Stoke narrowly beat the Burton Squad in the Prima Cup in November, so we expected a tough game: and that is what we got!  However, all of the lads played very well, battling for the ball and putting themselves on the line.  Unfortunately, an injury to Alex Garner forced him out of the game within the first few minutes, so he never got the chance to fully perform.  Once again, the front-footed nature of the Burton defense put pressure on the Stoke attack, meaning that Stoke were held at bay.  It wasn’t all defense though and some good rucking allowed Burton to get close to the Stoke line, but never crossed it. 

Game 2   Stoke 0   Burton 35

In the second game, the Lions faced the Stoke B team.  Burton rotated their squad and were able to field almost a completely different team to that of the first game.  For the first time (I think) we played the Lomas brothers in the same side (one up on the Underwood brothers), and together with Mitchell Bailey we had a relatively inexperienced back line. This game was an eye-opener.  From this coaches point of view it was great to watch.  Why, well not because we won (we did!), but because of the way that the players organised themselves.  With Ben Mason and Joe Cuthbertson helping to organise the positions, the backs were able to run wild.  The forwards won excellent ball and released the backs. I’d like to be able to report on all of the try scorers, but age is catching up with me.  I think that the Lions score 7 tries.  Joe Cuthbertson scored at least 2, Matt Hunt scored (I think) 2 and there were scores for Matt Hickinbotham and Matt Lomas.  Apologies if I forgot you (please let me know, so I can correct it).  This game showed the depth that we are fortunate enough to have at Burton, and the great progress that many of the new players have shown in the last 4 months.  

Game 3:    Willenhall 0     Burton 15

The final, short, game was against Willenhall.  Buoyed by the successes of the previous match the lads were on the attack straight away, turning over Willenhall ball from the start allowing a score straight in the corner.  After a series of collapsed scrums (6) on the Willenhall line, Danny Causer had had enough and picked up and drove through the middle to score.  Causer Demolition indeed!  Just before the end of the ‘long’ half that we were playing, Burton pieced together another series of phases to score before the final whistle.
Trys by Will Beardsmore, George Poutney & Danny Causer. 

A very pleasing and cold mornings rugby.  The depth we have in the squad is excellent, and it is great to see the training sticking.  Keep it up boys.

Now, the Golden Laces..... These are awarded by the coaches to a player who has done something different.  It may be an excellent try, or unselfish play or for a tackle.  This week, it is my choice and I have selected Matthew Hunt.  Matthew was at the heart of many moves, and stole the ball with impunity against Stoke B, scoring several tries.  But that is NOT what the laces are for.  Matthew likes to play on the wing: I played him at Centre and at Prop, even though he wanted to play on the wing.  In true Rugby spirit, he took the decision without complaint, and went and got on with the job.  Congratulations, Matthew, and thanks, you are an example to all.