The home team were in good spirits following their victory over Broadstreet last weekend and were hoping to avenge the defeat they suffered at Bromsgrove in October. However, the start did not bode well as the kickoff went straight into touch, carried by the strong wind, conceding a scrum to the visitors on the halfway line. Burton defended well and soon won a penalty for an offence at the breakdown. Scrumhalf Charlie Bunting took a quick tap and Burton were able to get into the opposition 22 metre area where they eventually won another penalty, but this time right in front of the posts. Bunting kicked the goal to put the home side into the lead.

From the kickoff Burton went on to the attack again and the forwards and backs combined to carry the ball into the Bromsgrove 22 where they recycled the ball and passed it along the back line for winger Tristan De Jagger to score in the corner. In the high wind a kick from so wide was difficult and was almost inevitably missed.

Burton were now playing extremely well, with and without the ball. The defended ruthlessly and were able to effect a number of turnovers. Eventually they worked their way to 5 metres short of the Bromsgrove goal line were the were awarded a scrum. From the scrum number eight Joe Gazzard picked up the ball and ran over the line virtually unopposed. The conversion was missed.

At this point the visitors were finding it difficult to deal with the direct running of the Burton team and centre Alex Nesbitt made a break to score in the corner. There was some doubt as to whether he put a foot on the touch line, but the referee awarded the try. The conversion was again missed but Burton were now in the lead by 18 points.

Bromsgrove as befits a team who are 5th in the league and through the hard work of their forwards were able to score a try just before half time. The conversion was missed so the half time score was 18-5.

In the second half Burton played the conditions very well and for the most part were able to keep the opposition pinned in their own half. Bunting controlled the game from the base of the scrum and put in some excellent kicks. When they were in the Bromsgrove 22 the forwards were patient making sure they retained the ball. This led to a try from short range by the captain Dominic “Spud” Taylor. This time making allowance for the wind Bunting was able to add the extra points and further extend the lead.

When the visitors were able to get into the Burton half, they were a threat and an excellent run by their right winger resulted in a try for him in the corner. The conversion was missed but at 25-10 it was felt that they were back in the game.

Burton have shown great fortitude in recent weeks however and were in no mood to capitulate. The penalty count against Bromsgrove was now high and after a series of penalties which eventually gave them a lineout on the 5-metre line the Burton forwards formed a driving maul to take the ball over the visitors’ goal line. Replacement hooker Tommy Collingwood got the touchdown. Bunting again missed the conversion but with the score at 25-10 the match seemed safe for Burton.

The visitors had the last word, however. The tiring Burton forwards allowed the Bromsgrove number eight to break around the front of a lineout. Faced with only a winger and a full back in front of him he was able to brush them off easily and score wide out. In a bid to try and save time he made a drop goal attempt quickly but failed to add the extra points.

They were unable to get a bonus point try however, as the Burton defence held out for the last few minutes. This was a great match in which thoroughly deserved the victory. The final score was Burton 30 Bromsgrove 15

Report by Nick Counter