Close Contest in National Semi

Burton v Blaydon
Under 17’s National Semi-Final Doncaster

17th April 2011

The long season, hard pitches and warm spring conditions are beginning to tell on this particular match reporter. However, despite carrying a niggling groin injury, I am inspired by coach Drage to one further effort and herewith follows what is expected to be the penultimate report of the season.

Burton travelled to Doncaster to meet the winners of northern region in the semi-final of the Shield, Blaydon RUFC. The day commenced for some parents with a fine Prosecco based breakfast on Peel Croft, bringing back reminiscences of Italy’10 following departure of the players coach.

Burton commenced strongly, Chris Sammons offloading well in contact and an early penalty was won, unfortunately narrowly missed. Play was end to end, with good relieving kicks from Whitfield and Brown in the back line. Eddie Runagle was unlucky not to chase down and score. The forwards proved evenly matched, Sam Halton charging down, Ashley Allum driving well, whilst Callum Nicholls put in a good grubber kick. Blaydon put in a good downfield kick and Burton were under pressure as a player was yellow carded. Runagle put in a good try-saving tackle but Blaydon won a penalty which they converted. A brief fracas resulted in further yellow card for each side as the teams went in at half-time.

In the second half, Blaydon pressure resulted in an early try. Burton defended solidly but despite best efforts, were not able to find the key to unlocking the equally strong Blaydon defence. On two occasions tries could have been scored, only for them to be disallowed as foot went to touch or a pass was slightly forward. As Burton began playing rather more on the edge and chasing the match, Blaydon were able to run in two breakaway tries. The match finished with Blaydon deserved winners of a match which in reality could have gone either way, with a rather flattering result at 18-0.

Notwithstanding today’s result, Burton under 17’s can take pride in a superb campaign to reach the national stages of this competition, which bodes well for Colts rugby next season. Players and supporters will recall with pride the highlights of the competition, including the away win at Grimsby and fish and chip supper at Cleethorpes, the nail biting final against Old Halesownians at Broad Street, the individual and team performances, the support shown by the wider squad of players, and the convivial atmosphere for the parents.