Uttoxeter AWAY

Burton under 17A v Uttoxeter 26th September 2010

Burton under 17A travelled to Uttoxeter for this friendly, ahead of league matches in the coming weeks.

Uttoxeter began strongly and nearly opened the scoring from the off, the try prevented by Jack Champney putting in a late tackle. Burton replied with a move through the backs with Eddie Runagle at right-wing being tackled short of the try-line. The Uttoxeter defence was to put in solid tackles throughout the match. Soon after Sam Day, who was to have a lively and confident match at fly-half, put in a delayed pass to Callum Nicholls coming in at full-back. He shrugged off a tackle to score under the posts, the score 5:0 after 5 minutes play.

Winning a good line-out, Uttoxeter drove to half-way. However, the ball was stolen by Alistair Weedon at No 8. The ball reached the back line and Eddie Runagle, exchanged passes with Ashley Allum at hooker and went over with a well executed try to make it 10:0 after 15 minutes.

Although the Burton players showed determined and accomplished individual play, notably flanker Sam Halton stealing line-out ball from Uttoxeter, and driving runs from Alex Bowen and Stuart Carter, their competitive opponents were able to hold the Burton pack. Nevertheless, Alistair Weedon went over for a third try to make it 15:0 after 20 minutes. Burton found themselves largely on the defensive up to half-time although without further score.

Burton began strongly after the re-start with Stuart Carter making a strong run in the centre, quick ball through the backs leading to Joe Bird on the left, who did well to keep it in. Play shifted to the right and the strength of the Uttoxeter defence was exhibited by a good tackle to stop Nicholls on the right wing. However, Carter picked up to go over for the fourth try to make it 20:0.

Burton made a number of changes. Tom Hunt was busy after coming on at full-back. The Uttoxeter pressure was rewarded by a deserved and well taken try in the corner which was very well converted to bring the score back to 20:7, which remained the final result.

Burton delivered a win but the team know they will have to step up a level in order to achieve the same against Walsall next week.