But in reality the squad gave themselves a mountain to climb with a first half performance that lacked a desire to play in the muddy conditions. Late call ups for Jack Handy and Stu Hutton meant it was a much changed squad that took to the field.

At the kick off Burton took the game forward with the forwards recycling the ball well until the ball was lost in contact and a scrum was called. Previous meetings against Hereford always are competitive in this area and all day the balance of power swung both ways.

A scrum in the 10th minute led to a Burton penalty for not driving straight which Titley kicked to the corner. From the lineout a rehearsed move saw Neal burst through the front to score in the corner ,the resultant conversion saw Titley put the ball between the posts superbly to make the score 7-0.

Hereford to their credit came back very strongly and a series of driving mauls and a couple of line breaks the pressure was on the Burton line. The conditions and slippy ball led to a series of scrums which gave the Hereford pack the satisfaction of pushing the Burton scrum over the line and a try. The conversion being missed meant the score was 7-5 after 14 minutes.

Burton rallied and kept trying to play from 1st phase but were sloppy at the breakdown and the Hereford forwards seemed quicker to them as well. Time after time Hereford broke forward in the second quarter and on 22 minutes a well worked try seeing the score after a conversion leading to Hereford leading 12-10.

A further handling error lead to another score and conversion for Hereford as they seemed to have more urgency and desire to take the match at this stage. Burton at this stage seemed out of it but rallied towards the end of the half as forwards got round the corner better and some good pod work took the game into the Hereford 22. A penalty to Burton for Hereford not rolling away in front of the posts was missed unfortunately, which in the end proved crucial.

Half time Burton 7 –Hereford 19

The second half started with Burton shuffling the pack with Gazzard into the 2nd row and Saunders switching to no8. Unfortunately a penalty was conceded after Hereford pressed into the Burton 22 to make the score 22-7 with hosts looking down the barrel of another heavy defeat.

But the spirit within the side with some big hits and surging runs seem to spur the side on. The lineout started functioning better after a few missed ones in the first half, scrums were still well contested.

On 55 minutes after good phase work and quick recycling of the ball by Burton ,they finally scored out wide with Betty going over for a great score .Conversion missed leaving a score off Burton 12 –Hereford 22.

A series of resolute attack from Burton as they chased the game and superb defending from a Hereford side tiring as the game went on. Whether it was the fact that Hereford had something to defend or the fact that Burton went for it, it led to everyone probably in the ground feeling Burton could get something from the match.

Time after time Hereford knocked Burton back when it seemed they would score. Hereford rarely touched the ball in the last 10 minutes and finally Burton secured a losing bonus point with a try from Cartwright in the dying seconds.

Burton must dust themselves off and go again next week, as they seek to stop the mini slump of the previous weeks. A few injuries seem to be hampering the squad with unavailabilities also impeding progress. The season is still in its early days but as always the run up to Christmas is crucial for any side serious about promotion. Pleasing to report that a decent support again in attendance at Peel Croft. Burton are away next week at Kenilworth to get the season back on track.

By Steve Briggs