Burton Falcons U9's brewed up a superb display in their first game of contact rugby. The team admitted to being nervous but soon settled into the game.

Some great early running by Jacob Abraham, Dominic Phillips, Craig Plummer and John Robson produced a first half try for Dominic Phillips.

The half ending 5 points to nil.

Oak strength tackling was displayed by Joshua Balance, Emily Jackson, Lewis Kenney, Charlie Newcombe, Josh Suddaby and Josh Wright. A try saving tackle was made by the pint sized Jacob Abraham, as he swooped Spitfire like.

Oliver Corbett and Luke Greenhill both displayed good set-up play which lead to Burton's second try, scored by James North, showing the heart of a tiger.

Despite stout defensive work from Burton, Derby finally scored their only try.

Burton Falcons 5 Derby Tigers 5

A close fought affair with tackle after tackle being made by Jacob Abraham, Josh Balance, Oliver Corbett and Emily Jackson.

Good running with the ball from Lewis Kenney and handling skills by Oliver Corbett, Luke Greenhill and John Robson lead to Josh Wright's first-half try.

Burton spent much of the second-half pinned back in their own half. More excellent tackling and rucking involving James North, Dominic Phillips, Craig Plummer and Josh Wright could not keep Derby Tigers at bay. Burton finally allowing the equalising try to be scored.

Burton Eagles 15 Derby Tigers 10

What a fantastic start to competitive contact rugby for the Burton Eagles.  Training and drills paid dividends in the 1st half when Burton showed their pedigree and good defensive tackling by Daniel Grimsdell and Jonathan Kingston stemmed the early Derby offensive drives.  The defensive efforts were soon rewarded by a sweeping offensive play involving Sam Willetts (pass), William Hulbert (drive forward and pass) and a great running try by Joshua Hart.  Burton defended the lead thanks to a last gasp tackle by Charlie Quarterman, and a stout defensive line. However, a drive by Derby on the stroke of the whistle levelled the scores.

The second half started with continuous Burton pressure and Tommy Collingwood stayed sharp and capitalised from a great driving move involving Calum Launchbury and William Hulbert.  However, Derby equalled the scores despite the gallant defensive efforts by Jacob Buxton and Alex Dutoy.  Burton deservingly won the game with a try of pure genius by Charlie Quarterman late in the second half.  No half measures from the Burton defence, they tackled with pride and resolution and made sure that Burton would not be denied victory in their first game.  

Man of the Match: Jonathon Kingston for total commitment in the tackle.

Burton Eagles 30 Derby Stags 15

The Burton Eagles started this game with total commitment. Defensive tackles by Daniel Grimsdell, William Hulbert and Jonathon Kingston turned the ball over to Burton and Joshua Hart kept his head and ran in two early tries.  However, Derby responded and soon levelled the scores despite hard tackling by Tommy Collingwood and Charlie Quarterman.  A sweeping drive by the Burton pack turned ball over and a smooth running passing move by Sam Willetts and Calum Launchbury opened the Derby defence and allowed Daniel Grimsdell to finish the move in style. 

The second half was dominated by the Burton Eagles determination to keep ball and drive forward.  William Hulbert stretched the lead with a determined running try and Sam Willetts likewise following a great turn over tackle from Joel Dolman.  Burton Eagles sealed the match with a diamond offensive drive involving Jonathon Kingston, Tommy Collingwood and Alex Dutoy that allowed man of the match Joshua Hart to complete his hat trick in the final minute.       

Man of the Match: Joshua Hart a fantastic all round performance and a well deserved hat trick.

All the under 9's left the field tired but proud of their first ever display of contact rugby.