Despite the late cry-off of Dave Archer that led to Sam Benjamin starting on the wing in his place, victory appeared to be heading home and with half an hour to go Burton looked to be totally in control of this game. But disaster struck as a surge by Stoke saw them take the lead with just over twelve minutes to play and then Burton watched agonisingly as a penalty kick hit the Stoke bar in the closing seconds.

Stoke started the match using a ‘funny’ kick off and retained the ball, but at the first breakdown pressure from Joel Briggs had Stoke conceding a penalty. Luke Peach cleared to half way and from the lineout the Burton pack drove to the Stoke twenty two. A penalty was awarded to Burton but Darryl Banton was unable to make the kick at goal. Burton were soon attacking again only for Stoke to intercept, make ground quickly but chose not to take the points from a penalty in front of the posts. Burton conceded a series of penalties but solid defence held the visitors out.

The territorial advantage was quickly swinging from side to side, although neither try line looked particularly threatened. Sam Benjamin and Sam Smith were involved numerous times running back many of the Stoke clearances. With the twenty minute mark approaching Simon Bradley carried the ball forward over the visiting twenty two and Stoke conceded a penalty. Banton was on target to establish a three point lead.

A driving maul from the kick off took Burton back to half way and soon afterwards Banton made a show and go before taking play forward however the advantage was lost when Burton conceded a penalty. In the next attack from Burton Lawrence Betty, Danny Smith and Ken Archer made telling carries causing panic in the opposition ranks. Another show and go from Banton put him through and he then raced twenty five metres into the right hand corner for a great score. Unfortunately, Banton slipped on impact and his attempted conversion was unsuccessful.

Leading 8-0 Burton looked well in control but from a deep re-start it was Stoke who enjoyed a spell of pressure before taking three points from in front of the sticks just as the referee signalled half-time they conceded a penalty.

With Charl Neethling replacing Bradley for the second half Stoke started frantically, however with Josh Cartwright repeatedly stealing their lineout they were denied any real advantage. In their first attack Burton made ground quickly with Banton and Danny Smith combining after a great lineout take from Ken Archer. The ball went loose just short of the line and as Archer tidied it up there was an infringement from the Stoke No. 8 which earned him a yellow card. Burton chose the scrum from which Jono Edwards picked up and drove forward before Archer was involved yet again to take the pass and power over for his first 1st XV try. Banton made the conversion and Burton once again looked comfortable leading15-3.

Burton rang the changes as Ed Henry replaced Jason Knight and was soon in the thick of things. The game became more tactical as both sides began to kick more of the ball. With twenty minutes to go Stoke tested Burton with two cross-kicks in quick succession and although Burton scrambled well Stoke efficiently recycled the ball and took it back in field before crashing over for a try. The successful kick made the score 15-10 and the increase in confidence of the visitors was quite noticeable.

Stoke were soon pressing again after a clearance was charged down, prompting try saving tackles from Sam Smith and Betty. However the danger wasn’t over and Stoke passed well off their left hands to create a try and level the scores. The visiting kicker made the crucial kick to put his side in the lead for the first time with twelve minutes of play left.

Burton were now chasing the game as Nathan Taylor led the charge up front and Lewis Brooks probed for gaps out wide. However, despite Stoke giving away penalties, Burton couldn’t territorial dominate. To try and get those vital points Burton bought on Ben Peach and Jason Knight replacing Banton and Briggs. A good carry from Tom Murphy ended with another penalty for Burton, however from the kick to touch Burton illegally drove the lineout and Stoke cleared their lines. With time up, Burton got to within thirty five meters of the Stoke line and were awarded a penalty as Stoke battled to keep them out. Brooks took the kick and agonisingly saw the ball bounce back off the bar leaving Stoke to clear to touch and celebrate victory after an exceptionally close encounter.