Burton v Lichfield on October 21st 2007

Game.1: Burton Eagles 35 v 0 Lichfield

After all the build up and hype surrounding the local derby weekend, the first match got under way. The Eagles could be forgiven if they found the opposition easier than expected. However, their success came from the hard work, which stopped Lichfield in their tracks.

Hard, committed tackling, notably from Alex Dutoy, William Hulbert, Jacob Buxton, Charlie Quarterman and Tommy Collingwood helped to provide Josh Hart with the opportunity to score a total of 6 tries.

William Hulbert’s last ditch, try saving tackle was awesome, as was Sam Willett’s skilful tap tackle.

Excellent running with the ball and good handling lead to Charlie Quarterman chipping in with a single try.

An excellent performance demonstrating gritty defensive work and clinical attack play.

Man of the match:  Josh Hart

Game.2: Burton Falcons 10 v 0 Lichfield

Having witnessed such an awesome display from the Eagles in the opening game, the Falcons were in no mood to be outdone.

Tackle after tackle from John Robson, Oliver Corbett, Jacob Abraham and Dominic Phillips helped keep Lichfield at bay. James North, Craig Plummer, Lewis Kenney and Charlie Newcombe also chipped in to help in defence.

This was a much tighter affair to the opening game. There was less opportunity to run with the ball but Cameron Scobie, James North, Oliver Corbett and Josh Wright occasionally found space.

Strong driving with the ball and resultant rucking and set-up play was notable from Craig Plummer and Josh Suddaby.

A single try in each half settled the match. James North driving over in the first half and Josh Wright stretching his legs once more to score the second.

Josh Wright also relished his defensive duties and was called upon to execute a superb try saving tackle to ensure, like the Eagles, the Falcons took victory without conceding.

Man of the match:    Josh Wright

Game.3: Burton Eagles 20 v 5 Lichfield

A quick turnaround saw the Eagle’s take on the Lichfield team that had just played the Falcons.

A tight first half ending 5 – 5 saw Josh Hart adding to his tally for the day.

Good running and set-up play from the aforementioned, Jacob Buxton, Tommy Collingwood, Will Hulbert and Charlie Quarterman helped the Eagles put distance between themselves and the “local foe” in the second half.

Josh Hart bagged himself two further tries while Jacob Buxton got in on the action to score a superb breakaway try, just managing to inject sufficient pace to hold off the chasing pack.

Another hard fought win that would not have been possible without one man in particular who put in at least a dozen bone crunching tackles to stifle Lichfield’s attacking ambitions. Congratulations to Alex Dutoy in taking man of the match.

Man of the match and day for Eagles:    Alex Dutoy

Game.4: Burton Falcons 20 v 10 Lichfield

The final game of the day left the Falcons feeling the pressure. Three wins in three meant they held the key to the “local derby whitewash.”

This proved to be a cagey affair with both sides showing much determination in the tackle and ruck. Dominic Phillips in particular, willing to set-up the next phase for the Falcons.

The secret to the Falcon’s success (as was that of the Eagles) was the new found understanding of the importance to drive out the opposition in a ruck situation. The coaches must have spotted more aeroplanes than on a day-trip to Gatwick!

Along with Phillips, Cameron Scobie, Jacob Abraham, Josh Suddaby and Craig Plummer showed selfless tendencies in driving over the ball.

The first half ended 10 points a piece, setting up a grandstand finish. It was to be the Falcons who took the game by it’s scruff, scoring two further tries in the second half. No reply was forthcoming from the beleaguered Lichfield.

Jacob Abraham, Josh Wright and two tries from Oliver Corbett meant these boys took the glory. However, none of this would have been possible without resolute support in the tackle from Lewis Kenney, Charlie Newcombe, James North, Craig Plummer and, most notably again, the redoubtable John Robson.

Man of the match and day for Falcons:   John Robson