Today is
Under 8's v Sutton Coldfield on March 16th 2008
Game 1: Sutton 30 Burton Cougars 35
On a wet windy and cold day Burton Cougars again showed great improvement in the first of four games, bolstered with a few more experienced players Cougars showed great confidence and took on A very strong Sutton side head on, from the start Burton attacked well, moving the ball smoothly and surprising the opposition to take an early lead.
With the two teams matched so closely it was always going to come down to defence and unforced errors and the game moved quickly from end to end and at the break Burton led by 20 - 15 due mainly to 3 tries run in by human missile Zak Fellows, he was always supported though even from a distance such was his speed. In the second half it remained tight and Burtons discipline remained high allowing Jack Johnson to complete a brace with further scores from Callum Mason and after some terrific support play Daniel Lawton.
Burton held on tight forcing Sutton to turn over plenty of ball to run out victors 35 -30, very well done on continuing improvement and not giving up when it may have felt easier to do so.
Game 2: Sutton 30 Burton Lions 40
Burton Lions also had a changed side which included a debutant William Bower and saw a welcome return of the H boys back from their Edinburgh excursion last week!!
As is the Lions way Burton started slowly conceding a very early try and as usual this galvanised them into action, every player knew their role and moved into it without thinking and were soon on level terms then beyond and were very nearly irresistible but allowed Sutton back into the game and at the break led 30 -20 with tries from Zak Salt, Niall Collett Connor Hutchison Liam Ritchie and 2 from Debutant William Bower.
The second half was a hard fought period after some tactical substitutions by Sutton which swung to and fro with mistakes being made on both sides as efforts were made to break through two very tight defences but Burton held their nerve and with further tries from Niall Collett and Millar Pride Lions ran out 40 -30 winners, Lions showed great defensive prowess in the second half stifling a much bolstered Sutton Side, well done
Game 3: Sutton 45 Cougars 40
In the Cougars second encounter they found a Sutton side reeling and wanting to make amends and straight away put Burton Under pressure, pulling the defensive line in all directions and waiting for a gap to appear before taking advantage of the space, Burton realised this and strengthened their defence but could not gain the ground lost so early on and at the break were trailing 35 -10.
From the restart however Cougars shrugged of the gap and played tremendously well now forcing Sutton into a lot of errors, particularly the strong running of Jack Johnson who was regularly carving a path through the Sutton defence before passing off for a try to be scored, but Burton fell just short of what would have been a spectacular comeback going down by only one try. after scores from Callum Mason Jack Johnson Jak Mumford a hat trick from Zak Fellows and a welcome back to Matthew Shenton who scored a well deserved brace. A good never say die attitude is now a constant within the squad.
Game 4: Sutton 15 Lions 25
For the last game of a very enjoyable day Lions decided to start strongly, it is rare but a marvel to see when it happens, the lion attack was relentless and strong, and in defence they kept organised, frustrating any Sutton attack, Burton however didn't have it all their own way again the game would be decided by the team who could take their chances and make the fewest mistakes but at the break Burton led 20 - 10 with tries from Niall Collett Conner Hutchison and a brace from twinkle toes Millar pride.
The second half was now a war of attrition with a defending style unusual to the Tag game and was more akin to the senior game with no side providing any gaps to run through and after one more score each, Burtons coming from Niall Collette Burton ran out 25 -15 winners. The Lions showed great maturity in this game and thought about all aspects which paid dividends well done.
I would also like to thank Sutton Coldfield for their great hospitality and the superb attitude of the coaching staff who really do exemplify the policies of Fun first and Rugby for all as well as providing a very tough opposition.