The match saw the Crofters score two tries, with a first half try from Dave Archer, who converted as well as scoring a penalty early on in the second half, as well as Ian Gilmour touching down soon after the penalty; Archer unable to convert.

A rousing crowd got behind the hosts on a day of celebration not just on the pitch but off it too, as the club celebrated their new refurbishments which included a refurbished Clubhouse, brand new ladies toilets and a new kitchen.

The match began with a very quiet opening 10 minutes, with very few chances for either side. On 12 minutes though, a chance for the visitors as James Kennedy burst through Burton’s forwards. His glance to the right gave him the option of Dave Pritchard, who’s attempt at receiving the pass fell short and he dropped the ball deep inside Burton’s half. That was the closest Stratford got to the try line all day, with their attack’s broken down well by Burton’s Matt Tivey, William Roach and Captain Josh Cartwright.

Darryl Banton made some very slick hand-offs but again, the play continued to be stuck in the middle of the pitch.

However, on twenty two minutes Kelvin Browne raced through on the near side, beating two Stratford players and handed off to Dave Archer, who carried the ball home to give his side the lead, moments later, converting his try taking the score to 7-0.

The game ebbed and flowed, with very little action from both sides. Scrum-downs, turnovers and line outs in the middle section of the pitch were common to the remainder of the first half, to which the sides went in at the break with Burton in charge.

The second half came to life, and as the heavens opened, so did Stratford’s defence. Luke Peach made a dazzling run forward on 42 minutes, carrying the ball 30 yards before being halted by the visitors. In the ruck that followed, Stratford were penalised for going in over the top, and the crofters had a penalty to extend their lead. Archer stepped up to score, placing it just inside the post.

Burton’s dominance at the start of the half continued, with another penalty awarded minutes later, but Dave Archer was unable to score.

He made up for the miss moments later. His lay off to Ian Gilmour was timed perfectly after a ruck saw his receive the ball, and Gilmour ran through to score. The try was not converted unfortunately, leaving it 15-0 to the hosts.

Substitutes Charl Neethling, Ali Weedon and Tom Cooper all made appearances during the second half. Neething broke through the visitors first line on a few occaisions, but was brought down by Stratford full back James Kennedy.

The game again, followed a similar theme to the first half, and there was little action for the packed crowd to enjoy, but their team had done the damage already. The full time whistle went with Burton earning a hard fought victory 15-0. Hooker James Burrough was named Man of the Match.

Steve Smith said, “I’m absolutely delighted with that performance, as the first game of the season is always tough. There were nerves because we were desperate to get the first win; we have that now, we can relax and look to build on the next game. We play Walsall away next week which we’ll look forward to.”
“It’s been a good day at the office,” he continued. “We’ve had great support today and it’s been good to see. It’s what we want at the club and it helps build the reputation too.”

Earlier in the day the Crofters Club President Kevin Wrathall, along with Special Guest of Honour, Evelyn Bradley, officially unveiled the new facilities. He was “overwhelmed” by the support he had received in the refurbishments to the club, and said Burton RFC had “deserved better facilities” and was glad to see them finally in place.

Burton 1st XV: Tom Murphy, James Burrough, Matt Tivey, Josh Cartwright (C), William Roach, Kelvin Browne, Lewis Briggs, Craig Dutton, Darryl Banton, Luke Peach, Sam Benjamin, Harry Titley, Dave Archer, Matthew Boden, Ian Gilmour (SUBS) Charl Neethling, Ali Weedon, Tom Cooper.

Stratford XV: Matt Cook, Tom Hall, Geoff Dyson, Ash Bonner, James Wootton, Luke Torres, Jimmy Richardson, Dave Pritchard, Toby Jones, Jack Young (C), Callum Cook, Sam Walford-Joyce, Sam Whitby, Dan Whitby, James Kennedy. (SUBS) Graham Thomas, Tom Mylott, Jonny Duncan.

Referee: Mr Chris Rodgers