Under 13's win 27-5 on the Croft

Burton RFC 27 (10) Walsall RFC 5 (5)

Tries: Josh Hart 3, Calum Launchbury, William Hulbert

Con: Oliver Corbett

This was a rare opportunity for the under 13’s to play on the Croft in front of a good size crowd as they followed the first 11’s game against Walsall RFC.

The game started with a series of rucks and turn over ball as the two teams came to terms with the cold conditions and hard surface. Burton began to put some phases together as good ball carrying by James North, Charlie Newcombe and Cameron Scobie made good progress up the middle. Good rucking from Connor Wood and Jack Wardle cleared Walsall out and Josh Hart picked up the loose ball and ran in the first try of the game in the corner. Walsall instantly responded and disrupted a Burton lineout to get possession, several missed tackles later the ball was over the try-line to make it 5-5. Again Burton responded as a team and began to pass the ball through the backs to make progress. Walsall were going backwards as Daniel Grimsdell, Jamie Dutton and Ethan passed the ball wide. A strong ruck from Burton and determined work by Morgan Brown again allowed Oliver Corbett quick ball to feed Josh Hart to side step and run in his second try. The halftime whistle blew Burton were ahead 10-5.

Changes of players did not interrupt the progress of Burton as they put more and more pressure on the Walsall defence. Jacob Abraham (guest recall) disrupted a Walsall line out and Charlie Newcombe, John Robson and Edward Baxter carried the momentum forward as Walsall were pushed deeper into the 22. Eventually the pressure took its toll as a penalty and another infringement was punished by Josh Harts hat-trick try under the posts. Oliver Corbett converted the try and Burton led 17-5. Walsall attempted to respond but Burton tackled hard and low to disrupt their backs as they carried ball. Tommy Collingwood drove the ball forward and yet again the Walsall defence were caught offside. The ball was released by Edward Baxter to Jamie Dutton who fed Calum Launchbury who scored a determined try in the corner. Burton were not finished as a series of tackles by Charlie Quarterman, Joel Dolman, Daniel Grimsdell and Calum Launchbury disrupted Walsall possession. Then the score of the game, inspiration, determination and the willing power of the crowd drove William Hulbert forward to dive over in the corner to finish the efforts of the Burton pack. The crowd were happy as they simultaneously chanted “there is only one William Hulbert”. The final whistle blew and Burton had won 27-5.

In an interview after the game William dedicated his inspirational try to his lovely birthday-girl mom Karen. xx