SQUAD LIST

Benjamin, Bowles, Cole, Dealtry, Dolman, Fellows, Finney, Furner, Greenwood, Hopkinson, Howlett, Hulland, Knowles, Mason, Mycock, Pickett (Capt), Roden, Shaw, Shill, Sturgess, Thorman, Tunstall.

MATCH REPORT

Burton U14’s played host to Eccleshall U14’s in a fixture that was used to rotate Burton’s squad with a view to future development.

The match started with a Eccleshall kick off. The strong windy conditions would prove a challenge throughout. The ball was taken forward by the galloping Prop Ben Howlett who used his great strength to make 10 metres. Waiting in support was the firm but fair Flanker Lewis Sturgess whose work-rate & passion was an example to all. The ball was moved quickly to Forwards Josh Shaw & Tai Fellows took it on. Only some great counter-rucking from Eccleshall stopped the hosts from making further progress.

The visitor’s then used the wind to get them downfield with a sublime cross-field kick. Hooker Abe Furner took the lineout that found the 2nd Row pairing of Taylor Dealtry & Ben Hulland. As they took it in, the ball was knocked on & in a blink of an eye, Eccleshall had moved the ball down the left & crossed the line to take the lead. The try was converted to give them a 7 – 0 lead.

The match then turned in favour of Burton when Fly-half Tom Benjamin renowned for his jinxing runs, put in a crunching tackle on their big centre to win ball in mid-field. The ball was then moved to Inside Centre Harry Pickett who ran in to score his 1st of 2 tries. The conversion was missed.

Time was running down & as half time approached, the visitor’s re-established their lead when a penalty was conceded by the hosts for coming in from the side. Eccleshall then drove over to leave the score Burton 5 – 12 Eccleshall at half time.

BURTON 5 (Try- Pickett) – 12 ECCLESHALL (HT)

The 2nd half began with Burton kicking into the wind. The ball went straight into the right hand corner when No:8 Joe Mycock kept up his try scoring form by driving over from 5 metres out. The conversion was missed.

Then came a moment that delighted all rugby players. Burton’s Forward’s Adam Dolman, Josh Greenwood & Aidan Hopkinson somehow ripped the ball away from the visitor’s. They set up a ruck in mid-field. Scrum-half Alex Finney then passed it to Fly-half George Roden who side-stepped a tackle & passed it unto Benjamin. Benjamin then drew the man before passin it on to fast approaching Full Back Sheridan Cole who took the ball & passed straight unto the Winger Matt Knowles who was eventually tackled into touch. However, it was the manner of pass & move from Burton’s back line that had the supporter’s overjoyed with their magnificent handling.

The visitor’s used their greater height at the lineout to win ball & 2 passes later, they crossed to keep their noses in front.

Burton’s were ringing the changes & trying players in several different positions as they look to the future. However, it was Stalewart Utility Back, Lewis Mason who showed all his skills when he kicked the ball down field, out-paced the rushing defence & dived over to score a magnificent solo effort.

The hosts were on the up. Eccleshall were trying to use the wind to great effect until they ran into Hooker Danny Shill who was having an excellant debut coping with throwing the ball into the lineout in tricky windy conditions. Winger Danny Bowles picked up loose ball after a smash & grab tackle by Flanker Charlie Tunstall, to set-up play. Flying Winger Josh Thorman, came in as scrum-half before releasing Pickett, who had only seconds earlier returned to the field of play, ran down the right touch line handing-off 1 player, then another & another before crashing over for a scintillating try. The conversion was missed.

Burton took the lead for the 1st time & were looking good for a win until the wind played apart again. The visitor’s again kicked downfield. The wind carried the ball within the 22 metre area & they swarmed in to pile over on the right hand side to regain the lead. Their conversion was then slotted over from wide to give the final score Burton 20 – 24 Eccleshall at full time.

BURTON 20 (Tries- Pickett 2, Mycock, Mason) – 24 ECCLESHALL (FT)

After losing by 2 conversions, it can be said that the greater kicking ability from Eccleshall won the day. However, it was development of the team that was of most importance to Burton U14’s.

By using player’s in unfamiliar roles will give all a greater under-standing of the game as they grow & move onwards. Well done to all player’s for giving their all!

A special mention goes to Dan Shill who thoroughly enjoyed the first of many games for Burton Rugby Club. Well done Dan!

Another special mention goes to Jacob Brown & Haydn Mabbott whom, despite carry injuries, still came & supported their team mates. Well done Jakey & ‘H’