Ian Gilmour also weighed in with a score, while Darryl Banton slotted over six conversions as the Crofters extended their Midlands One West lead over third-placed Hereford to seven points.

Team manager Steve Briggs was delighted with the second-half showing following a below-par display in the first 40 minutes – despite opening up a 14-3 lead,He said: “The players knew they hadn’t performed to their best in the first half. “After a few harsh words at half time we turned around the performance and it showed. “There were some creditable second half performances – notably from Harry and Lawrence. Ben Marshall had a decent debut and Adam Smith had a good 15 minutes towards the end.

“The second half we really showed what we were capable of doing. “A few of the tries were well worked. We have a few injuries still, but with the break this weekend, we’ll hope to have a full squad for the away game at Old Laurentians.”

The opening minutes could have seen Burton come away with a bigger win. Banton had two opportunities to get points on the board with penalty kicks, but the scrum-half was narrowly off target with both.

Few chances materialised for either side following Crofters early pressure, before the opening try arrived on 17 minutes. The ball came inside to Gilmour who released Betty to touch down under the posts. Banton converted for 7-0.

Seven minutes later Gilmour added a second try for the hosts with another score under the posts. Banton kicked the simple conversion as the hosts opened up a 14-point lead.

On 30 minutes the visitors were awarded a penalty when Burton were penalised for not rolling away at the ruck. Chris Harding kicked the three points to give the visitors something to show for their first-half efforts.

The ‘harsh words’ at half time had an immediate effect, with Harry Titley scoring his first try of the day three minutes in. Betty took the ball from a ruck on the 22 and passed right to Titley who ran in under the posts – giving Banton another easy conversion.

Five minutes later Betty scored his second following a flowing passing move from the Crofters. Matthew Boden broke through the Bosworth line and found scrum-half Banton, who laid off quickly to Tommy Cooper. With Betty in support Cooper sprinted towards the posts, off-loading as the tackle came in – allowing Betty to touch down. Banton missed the conversion to keep the score at 26-3.

It was Titley’s turn to score next following more Crofters pressure. Boden delivered to Titley after a ruck on the Bosworth 22. The successful conversion increased the advantage to 33-3.

Bosworth did manage a well worked consolation try. From a line-out Matt Mayne come round the front to catch and run through.

Marshall played a vital role in Burton’s next try on 65 minutes. Marshall wriggled through one tackle and sprinted on, making 30 yards. The dubutant headed to the corner before a brilliant off-load allowed Titley to complete his hat-trick. Banton added the extras for 40-8.

Betty registered his third try on 75 minutes after skipping past the opposition full-back with ease. Banton again converted.

With the match drawing to a close a hard tackle on Bosworth’s Tom Channer left the flanker on the ground. With the match all but over the referee called time, giving Burton a convincing 47-8.

REFEREE: N O’Donnell.

By Michael Gallagher