Burton RFC U13's 15 v Leicester Forest RFC 44

Match report by Rich Morris

Today’s match was to be played over 3 x 20 minute halves, or is that thirds, I dunno.

After only 2 minutes Forest laid down the blueprint for what was to follow. A scrum on half way was won, the ball moved on to their outside centre, whose strong running opened the scoring. The try being converted. 7-0.

On 5 minutes a break from half way saw the Leicester side increase their lead to 12-0, more powerful running and well executed hand offs. This was to be a fixture of the day from their 9, 10 & 13 alike.

After 10 minutes Burton woke up, and began to get into the game. A scrum after 12 minutes taken by Forest, saw our defensive line harry the attacking side. From the resulting breakdown we turned over the ball, which was shipped to our right wing, and Levi Davis finished with his trademark ‘try-a-game’ in the corner. Leeeeee-vi ! 12-5 at the first break. (2 tries to 1 in that period)

The second period opened with a fantastic try saving tackle from Ben Mason at full back, who tracked back and trawled down the strong No 13 3 metres (I’ve turned metric this week) from our try line. The resulting pressure from the home side, resulted in a try being forced over. The conversion giving a 19-5 lead.

Some scrappy play after 5 minutes, the ball was lost to Forest and again some strong running resulted in a try. Then after 12 minutes sustained Forest pressure increased the scoreline to 29-5.

With some changes in the second period, Burton began to win some ball and quick ball. After 15 minutes a superb try from Joe Cuthbertson down the left wing, brought us back to 29-10. 2 minutes later Joe was on the scoresheet again. Forest won a lineout ball on halfway, then were forced to knock on after great and collective pressure from our defensive line. Advantage was played and Burton moved the ball along the line for Joe to finish on the left. Good team try and great finish Joe ! At the second break, score was 29-15. (3 tries to 2 in that period).

The third period saw Leicester run in three further unconverted tries, from deep. Which in fairness was excellent finishing. Final score 44-15. (3 tries to nil in that period).

Goal kicking duties today were performed by James Rowland. Whilst not successful with the three extremely difficult attempts – come on wingers give him a better chance eh ? The technique, poise and ability is there for all to see going forward.

Whilst we learnt much in victory last week, we learned a lot today also. Most significantly we do everything as a team – win, lose or draw. And at least everyone has now had the opportunity to blow the holiday cobwebs away, and we can look forward to some League action in the forthcoming weeks.

Some great tackles from the likes of Joe Gorman, Oli Mears and Ben Mason. Good forward running from the likes of Callum Shaw and Jeri Oldfield. Good rucking particularly in the second period. Well done boys. Things to be positive about. Just not our day today, and well done to Leicester Forest.

Leic Forest RFC 44 v Burton RFC 15
Try scorers
Levi Davis
Joe Cuthbertson 2