Some excellent rugby from Burton in the middle of the first half out them in a good position, however the hungry Walsall outfit soon scored points so that went into half time trailing narrowly.

Loz Betty, Sam Benjamin and Joe Gazzard all made strong carries in the open exchanges, however Harry Titley was required to make a try saving tackle as Walsall had the best of the early scoring chances. Titely and Luke Peach launched a counter-attack, however Walsall were soon back in the command until Tom Murphy halted Walsall’s progress as they tried to drive into the Burton twenty two. Walsall then opened the scoring on twelve minutes with a well worked try which was converted. After a failed attempt, Dave Archer then successfully cpmp[enated for the very strong cross-wind to peg three points back for Burton.

The first half was played at a furious tempo with both sides looking to run the ball despite the heavy conditions. It was Burton who entered a purple patch and scored two tries in quick succession. Ben Cook made an excellent catch in the swirling wind and eluded a couple of defenders as he ran forward and Burton took play back over half way. Burton made ground towards the try line and agonisingly Gazzard was not able to take the spinning ball after he charged down a clearance kick. Play stayed in the Walsall twenty two and they managed to prevent a try, only to lose a player to the Sin Bin. Burton then lost two successive lineouts but regained the ball soon afterwards and scored through.

Burton maintained the pressure and new signing Tom Harris forced his way over the line from close range to mark his debut with a try. Archer then added the extra two points. Moments later Gazzard off-loaded to Banton who scampered under the posts. Archer added the conversion.

Burton looke unplayable in this period and Sam Benjamin, who looked doubtful after a knock last week came in field on half way, took a pass from Scrum Half Banton, burst through several defenders, raced clear to score to the right of the posts. Archer appeared to allow a huge margin for the cross-wind however unluckily the ball still hit the upright and didn’t go over the bar. Walsall showed great determination to force their way back into the game. Walsall benefited from an indiscretion by Burton and kicked for the corner and then drive over. Next the Walsall backs moved the ball well for another seven pointer, making the score 22-24 at the interval. The furious pace of the last 15 minutes had seen thirty six points scored.

Walsall were awarded a penalty on the twenty two and kicked for the corner. Burton didn’t halt the drive after a clean take. Approaching the line the visitors then exploited a gap on the the blindside and crossed for an unconverted try. An ambitious penalty attempt failed for Walsall after good defensive work from Damon Varney and Dewi Williams on his debut. Burton needed to regain a foothold in the game as it seemed to slipping away from them. Charl Neethling & Joe Briggs replaced Murphy & Cook respectively, both getting involvws straight away. No 8 Craig Dutton had an influential game on his return from injury and found a gap from a pick up at the base of a scrum before racing over the line for a try. Archer again found the target and Burton were now chasing a score to close the seven point margin, having secured a bonus point with a fourth try.

Walsall enjoyed the better of the second half and too; the lead when their huge Centre burst through several defenders and raced over the line from the Burton ten metre line. The difficult conversion was superbly struck and the score became 29-36. Ian Gilmour then replaced Luke Peach a Fly Half. Only half chances came Burton’s way and the accuracy wasn’t there when it needed to be to capitalise and the score didn’t materialise for Burton, however margin stayed as it was, earning the Crofters a second bonus point. Dutton received a yellow card in the closing minutes, the visitors maintained control and ran out the clock.