Burton U16’s with just about a full squad lined up against a Barker Butts, this fixture last year was closely fought and as it turned out this encounter would be no different. Burton got off to a flying start with a try from Tom Beard whose powerful run saw him break several tackles before going over the try line. This was quickly backed up by a try from Jacob Ruprecht following his trade mark mazy running and another by fly half George Abel, who sold a nice dummy before straightening to go over under the posts. Barkers not happy started to get into the game and scored x 2 similar well worked try’s with good running, quick hands and a very quick winger. The best try of the game was scored by Henry Longstaff following a break by George Abel through the middle of the park he sent an outrageously long pass out wide straight into the hands of Henry steaming down the wing to score. Barkers had the last word of the half following a series of penalty’s on the try line, repelled twice but not a 3rd time. Half time scores 22 v 17 to Burton. The 2nd half was no different to the first with both teams going hammer and tong trying to score, the hits were big and hands were good, Burton through inside center Ed Robson scored twice more with another try from Jacob Ruprecht, before Barkers came back strong with 2 of their own half way through the 2nd half. Squeaky bum time for the coaches and spectators, however it was Ed Robson scoring his 3rd try of the day that put the game beyond any doubt just before the final whistle. A very competitive game of rugby from sides who both knew which direction they wanted to travel! Wednesday training will have a section “how to make conversions easier for your kicker”, not all the try’s had to be grounded next to the corner flags. Some excellent performances from all the players with the backs showing some great hands and running lines, in the forwards, Ed Clarke was putting himself about in the 1st half, big hits from Harry and Sam, excellent breaks from Tom beard at 8, and industrious work rate from Alex, Richard, Henry & Jo Jo, however this week’s man of the match was fly half George Abel, who kept the Barkers back line on their toes the whole game and put in some good “offensive” tackling in defence.