Burton v Coalville on December 2nd 2007

Game 1: Burton Falcons 20 v Coalville A 0

This game was a tough test for the Falcons as the Coalville A's offered real 'McCoy' opposition.  The first half was tight, the Falcons defense held firm against early pressure from Coalville.  At the 'bridge' of the defense John Robson and Joshua Wright who were in no mood to allow 'space' for the Coalville backs.  Falcons opening try resulted from two hard tackles from a Charlie Newcombe and James North, Coalville spilt the ball and Oliver Corbett took full advantage and scored with a great run through the Coalville line.  This settled the early nerves and the second try came from a passing move involving Nadan Cox, Daniel Grimsdell and Emily Jackson that opened the 'space' for Dominic Phillips to 'boldly go' through two tackles for a great try.  The second half was more of the same as Coalville threatened but could not break the Falcons resolve to keep a clean sheet.  James North and Joshua Suddaby were 'the final frontier' as tackle after tackle kept Coalville out.  The pressure was relived when Craig Plummer picked up loose ball and drove the Coalville defense backwards with the support of John Robson and Daniel Grimsdell the ball was off loaded to Oliver Corbett who ran in his second try.  The 'enterprise' and determination of Dominic Phillips completed the scoring when he forced himself through for his second try. A great start for the Falcons and a well deserved clean sheet.          

Man of the Match: Dominic Phillips (2 great tries)

Game 2: Burton Eagles 50 v Coalville B 0
 

The first game for the Eagles was over as a contest within the first 3 minutes as Joshua Hart (2 tries) and Tommy Collingwood ran straight through the heart of the Coalville defense to score early tries.  The Eagles defense put their 'bones' on the line and Connor Wood put in one massive tackle to spill ball for Sam Willets to pick up and run in for his first of two tries.  Jonathan Kingston drove at Coalville defense supported by Jamie Dutton and Euan Johnson before setting the ball up for Alex Dutoy to run into ‘deep space nine’ yards and score a well crafted try.  The second half Eagles score six tries and totally dominate the game.  Coalville’s ‘nemesis’ Joshua Hart scored following a good passing move between Charlie Quarterman and Calum Launchbury.  Alex Dutoy ran in a great ‘sulu’ effort to Sam Willets was available to pick up and surge through the Coalville defense to score his second.  Burton were relentless and this was typified when Calum Launchbury took a pass from William Hulbert and was supported by Joshua Hart, Connor Wood and Alex Dutoy to go forward with a rolling maul that carried the ball 20 yards up field and set ball up for Charlie Quarterman to complete the scoring.         

Man of the Match: Alex Dutoy (awareness and sheer determination).

Game 3: Burton Eagles 5 v Coalville A 5

This was a much sterner test for the Eagles and Coalville were determined to revenge their earlier defeat.  Straight from the start they tackled hard and were quick to the ball.  The Eagles were unable to get any momentum and despite the efforts of Alex Dutoy, Charlie Quarterman and Jamie Dutton could not force their way through the Coalville line.  Then the inevitable happened and a smart pass and angled run burst through the Eagles line and Coalville were in to score a splendid try.  The Eagles were in ‘alien’ territory being behind and only great tackles from Sam Willetts and a trademark cruncher from Connor Wood kept the deficit to one try as the half time whistle blew.  The second half was the reverse of the first and Eagles were a much improved unit.  Tommy Collingwood and William Hulbert both came close to the try line before being held out by a similarly determined Coalville defense.  Calum Launchbury, Alex Dutoy and the ever aware Joshua Hart moved the ball forward, the ball spilt and Coalville picked the ball up from an offside position.  The penalty pass from Jamie Dutton to Joshua Hart caught Coalville square and Joshua ran at ‘warp speed’ to level the scores.  Despite the introduction of Jonathon Kingston for an injured Alex Dutoy, the Eagles could not score the winning try.  The last minutes were frustrating as the game failed to flow and Coalville were able to ‘cling on’ for a well deserved draw.    

Man of the Match: Joshua Hart (all round performance). 

Match 4: Burton Falcons 35 v Coalville B 0

Buoyant from the first game Falcons were determined to dominate Coalville from the off.  James North, John Robson and Dominic Phillips led the way with tackle after tackle and Coalville failed to make any forward progress.  However, their defense remained disciplined and Falcons had to work hard as a unit to open them up.  A great clear out by Dominic Phillips and close support by Nadan Cox allowed James North to pick loose ball and open the scoring.  The second try resulted from a determined run by Craig Plummer and a determined run and pass by Oliver Corbett let in Daniel Grimsdell to score just before half time.  In the second half we witnessed a try fest and the disintegration of the Coalville defense.  Joshua Suddaby and Charlie Newcombe were introduced and linked to allow Joshua Wright a great try in the corner.  Dominic Phillips followed with two quick tries; the second a ‘voyager’ move through the middle supported by John Robson.  A passing move between Nadan Cox and Joshua Wright opened space for John Robson to score the sixth try.  Dominic Phillips completed his hat trick in the final seconds with a strong run straight through the Coalville line.  The Falcons were running riot and the final whistle could not come soon enough for Coalville.      

Man of Match: John Robson (non-stop tackling)

The coaches were very pleased with the Eagles/Falcons performances against Coalville, despite the one drawn game.  The lads are looking like well disciplined units and lessons will be learnt as they go forward.  The Falcons scored 11 tries and conceded 0 (zero) and therefore have avoided the ‘wrath of scary spice’ on his return next week.  Beam me up Scotty!

Falcons: Man of the Series: Dominic Phillips (all round play)

Eagles: Man of the Series: Alex Dutoy (2 great performances).