As with most sides from Leicestershire Loughbourgh were well drilled and athletic we played three times against them last year and were well beaten on all occasions. So not a day to be without 3 regular backs, flay half, full back and top try scorning wing, however opportunity’s for others to stake claims. Burton were playing into a strong wind in the first half which Loughbourgh took full advantage of pinning Burton into their own 22 for the first 10 minutes, in this period Loughbourgh scored twice converting one, 12 points down and potential for the wheel to come off. However the pack which were not too far off full strength got they bit between their teeth and put in some excellent hard work in the form of pick and go, driving play up field into the strong wind again and again, this steamed the flow of Loughbourgh possession and eventually resulted in a try by Peter Gron in the corner, unconverted. The backs then started to get into the swing of things and both returning Henry Longstaff and Ben Gilleland making good ground but just falling short of the try line on more than one occasion. The half ended 12 v 5.................probably one of the best half's the forwards have played.
The second half saw Burton with the wind; however it was Loughbourgh turn to try the pick a go to good effect coupled to some very good hands getting the ball wide. Burton kept scrapping and had frequent visits to the Loughbourgh half but was unable to capitalize on their field position, despite great efforts. The lack of replacements particularly in the backs was beginning to tell as Loughbourgh worked out; the last 15 minutes Burton broke and ran out of steam allowing Loughbourgh to profit around the edges, scoring 5 tries. The game ended 44 v 5 to Loughbourgh, the score line is very harsh on Burton and it did not reflect the game, Burton forwards were more than a match for their counterparts and on another day the with a full complement of backs the scores would have been closer, either way it was an improvement on last year 3 games in particular in the first half. Good solid performances from all the forwards with the big 4 ball carriers taking the headlines, Peter Gron, Matt Stokin, Sam Thorpe and Tom Workman. A safe performance for Kieran ride at full back and great defense from all the backs until they ran out of steam at the end. Man of the match Henry Longstaff retuning after a long layoff never stopped trying.