The hosts started in a lively fashion and only resolute defence by Ben Marshall prevented Leek from taking the lead. After withstanding the early onslaught Burton gradually began to get into the game with Tom Harris and newcomer Ed Nicholls prominent. The Burton scrummage also began to function well with a penalty being awarded for persistent infrinegements by the Leek front row. Dave Archer was unable, however, to take advantage by missing his attempt on goal.

Leek then began to take control of the game and following a series of strong drives, Burton were adjudged to be offside and McDermott was able put the home side into the lead.

Burton responded well but an indiscretion by Joe Gazzard saw him receive a yellow card and this was compounded by Leek scoring a fine converted try shortly afterwards and also being awarded a penalty for offside in the last play of the half.

With a deficit of 13 points Burton needed to start strongly in the second half but a penalty from the kick off saw Leek extend their lead even further.

Burton then had their best phases of play with strong running by Josh Cartwright, Lawrence Betty and Nicholls leading to Betty being held up over the try line. However from the resultant scrum Harry Titley was able to kick through enabling Ian Gilmour to touchdown for an unconverted try.

Shortly afterwards a concerted drive by Leek saw Burton penalised for being offside and a quick tap saw them further penalised for not retreating. McDermott making the score 19-5.

Burton then came alive with Marshall making a jinxing run and with good support from the forwards they continued to press forward and Betty appeared to have scored a try only for the referee to adjudge that he had benefited from a forward pass.

The unfortunate Ben Burchill then had to leave the field with a leg injury, and Leek took advantage by pressing forward but good Burton defence prevented a try.

The re-jigged front row of Charl Neetling, Matt Tivey and Tom Murphy began to take control of the scrummage and following strong runs by Archer, Titley and Betty Burton nearly played themselves back into the game but a penalty for not releasing saw the momentum broken.
During the second half Craig Dutton replaced Ben Cooke in the back row. A dangerous tackle by a Leek player saw the hosts reduced to 14 men for the remainder of the game. This deficit did not, however, prevent the home side from scoring a last minute try to make the score 24-5 at the final whistle.
A deserved win for a team that has had, and on this showing will continue to have, a successful season.
Burton can now concentrate on the league and by remaining in a strong second place have everything to play for in the New Year.