Burton A's win at home

Burton A's welcomed the visit of Boston from the far reaches of Lincolnshire in a much anticipated match that both sides needed to win if relegation was to be avoided. With a strong wind blowing right to left and rain imminent, the conditions are going to play a part in the outcome.

With the team changing several times before Saturday, and no back substitutes selected, the young guns were certainly up against it. There were a few welcome returns for Dom Taylor at 8 and Josh Lister at 15.

Captain Cassidy chose to go against the wind in the first half. Within 1 minute of kick off, Boston took the lead, with their 13 running in from halfway after poor defence out wide. 0-7.

Not the start the home team wanted, but they started to play their own game and began finding gaps in the Boston line. After a good driving maul which took them up to 5 meter line, after several phases, Second rower Joe Shacklock managed to power over in the corner, 5-7.

Despite this, Boston were still making things hard, they had strong runners and some good jackalers in the backrow, slowing down the Burton ball all the time. And for around 20 minutes, neither team could add to their tally.
Until once again, the visitors found joy out wide, their winger barrelling his way to just before the try line. The big Boston number 4, simply picked the ball up and took two defenders over the line for Boston's second try. 5-12.

The home team responded immediately with three points courtesy of the boot from Josh Ballance. 8-12.

This scoreline remained the same until the halftime whistle went.

Halftime Score;
Burton A's 8-12 Boston

With the second half came the rain and the pressure to turn the game around. Within 5 minutes the Crofters were rewarded with PC Griffiths managing to scramble his way over. 13-12.

With the wind behind them, they went looking for more scores, poor skills and decision making kept them limited to two more penalty kicks from Ballance. 19-12.

With the second penalty coming in the 73rd minute, the A's seemingly switched off assuming the game was done. Once again Bostons 13 came back to haunt the home time, breaking from halfway again to go in untouched to bring the scores level going into the last 5 minutes 19-19.

With both teams knowing what a loss would mean, they both went searching for the win. Thankfully lady luck struck the right way, and a wayward Boston pass, bounced kindly for Ballance to run in under the posts and convert his own try. 26-19.

With less than one minute to go, the kick off was regained and then immediately lost. Boston pressed hard and looked to go wide again. This time however the defence was better and they were pushed into touch. The ref however saw a knock on first, so a scrum was formed and Burton just managed to get the ball out.

For a few phases it was very tense as Boston threw everything at the rucks to try and force a mistake. Burton reminded stoic and were finally rewarded with the final whistle.

Final Score;
Burton A's 26-19 Boston