Under 8's @ Nottingham on   January 13th 2008

A busy day saw Burton field 2 teams, the Lions and Cougars.

Burton Lions 20  Kesteven 2's 10  

Some good attacking rugby which saw lots of support running and good passing, N Collette scoring first. The defence however seemed a bit ropey and allowed Kesteven to reply immediately. Burton went looking for the lead again, but when the ball was spilled Kesteven pounced and a breakaway try seemed certain until the speeding Pride produced a try preventing tag. The team seemed to take note of this and the defence became solid, producing a number of 7 tag turnovers through the match and endlessly forcing their opponents back at will. Another Burton attack saw J Mumford race through to get tagged inches short, but a perfect pass saw M Pride touch down. Some good Kesteven running saw them level again and the match became a stalemate, until N Collette saw a gap in the opponents defence and race through to score. Z Fellows then dusted off his rockets to race the length of the pitch to score. The game ended with a score for Kesteven.

Nottingham 2's 15  Burton Lions 20

Burton again started with a shaky defence and conceded an early score, The attacks, however, were very impressive, and some elusive running M Pride danced his way to 5 points. Once again the defence allowed a simple Notts try. Burton then knuckled down and the defence stepped up a gear to once again force errors from Notts, N Collette benifitted after showing some good poaching skills to steal a ball off the floor and dart over the line. After 1/2 time the defence produced a superb set of 7 tags and from the turnover J Mumford darted through to again be tagged desperately short, fortunately M Pride again popped up to touch the pill down. Notts then levelled the match, only for N Collette to dance his way through a mesmerised Notts defence to score. The match ended with Burtons defence again forcing their opponents back and securing 7 tag turnover.

Kesteven 10  Burton Lions 10

The third match saw a defence dominated game, Kesteven being the first to breakthrough. However some good passing and excellent support play saw M Pride take a try scoring pass. Kesteven snatched the lead before 1/2 time and with both defences looking impenetrable the mach was finely balanced. Yet more impressive support play saw M Pride level the match, and with neither sides defensive play relaxing it ended a hard fought draw.

Nottingham 25  Burton Lions 25

A Game dominated by hard running saw Z Fellows show his pace 1st to score. Followed by a Notts try, M Pride then followed to side step his way over the line. Some basic errors then awarded Notts 3 tries. M Shenton and Z Salt then started running some good straight lines which rocked the hosts, and with valuable ground made M Pride pulled 1 back. Another spilled pass gifted Notts another score, but with time running out Shenton and Salt continued to run at their opponents forcing defensive mistakes which N Collette and M Pride benefitted from.
 
Nottingham 25  Burton Cougars 15

The Cougars first game was against their toughest opponents and they started well, but their defence was also lacking a little and they quickly conceded 2 tries. Not letting their heads drop they bounced back and some good running gave C Hutchison a little gap, which he exploited to score. Burtons defence improved, but again Notts scored. The Cougars have an impressive attack though, and C Mason soon found himself with enough space to score. As the wore on some good by the Cougars kept Notts out, eventually a try was conceded, the Cougars soon came back and more powerful running by Johnson allowed C Hutchison to jink his way over the line. Notts finished with a try, despite some dogged Burton defence.

Kesteven 30  Burton Cougars 05

Burton started well but little errors crept into their game, that coupled with a few decisions against them seemed to knock them out of their stride and Kesteven capitalised with 2 tries. O Ballyn gave them a spark, when he scored after some well worked attacking play. Burton struggled to get into the game and allowed Kesteven to pull away. Despite some good attacks and yet more dogged defending, they never seemed to have the rub of the green and awarded Kesteven a well deserved bur slightly flattering scoreline.

Nottingham 2's 15  Burton Cougars 20

With the reporter away the captain, C Hutchison, gave the report. Burton played really well with capt C Hutchison grabbing a hat-trick and O Ballyn scoring the other. The scoreline showed showed that, despite the previous scores, they will keep fighting and never give up.

Burton Cougars 35  Kesteven 20

Saving their best till last, Burton started with passion and aggression. J Johnson showing no fear running at his opposition payed off when he ran through 4 or 5 players to be amazed he still had his tags on and score. With the Hutchison twins combining well in midfield and the passing game going up a level it wasn't long before L Ritchie scored. Some strong defending deflated Kesteven and they let little errors creep in which allowed more and more possession for Burton. C Hutchison was the next Burton scorer before Kesteven pulled 1 back. More of the same after 1/2 time saw J Johnson feed L Ritchie who scored. Johnson got injured in the process though and had to be replaced. Kestven scored twice to keep the game interesting, but the relentless Burton pressure paid off as O Ballyn scored again. With the Burton boys not easing C Hutchison was the next scorer. A late consolation try gave Kesteven some joy though.