Promising performances.
The Barbarians travelled to Worcester and the Cobras to Matlock.
Worcester 75 - Burton Barbarians 65
Burton's Barbarians played three individual matches against a strong Worcester side. Both teams had runaway victories in the first two matches, leaving Worcester one try ahead going into the last match. Despite a strong attack and dogged defence by Burton, Worcester won this match by a single try, leaving them victors overall by a margin of two tries, with an aggregate score of 15 tries to 13.
There were great displays of strong team play, reflecting the efforts put in on the training grounds over the last few weeks. Also of note were many individual efforts, including James Wynne-Raji for his running and wing play, Owen Raw for his speed in the tackle and Sam Stride for his carrying of the ball, although there were examples of the whole team supporting each other and working as a unit.
Overall, a vastly improved side whose determination and will to win is now being linked with a greater self discipline and co-operation as a team.
Report by John Ellison
Matlock 40 - Burton Cobras 10
Two games were played. Burton's Cobras came under a lot of pressure from Matlock in the first game conceding five tries, though determined defence of the try line prevented the scoring of more. Burton came close to scoring on a two occasions through Reuben Marchant but at full time the score was 25-0 in Matlock's favour.
In the second game Matlock scored three tries but Burton's superior fitness became evident; in the first half Reuben Marchant scored the Cobras first try and in the second half Jacob Baker ran the length of the pitch for the second. The final score Matlock three tries to Burton's two.
A loss, but a promising performance. There was stirling work in defence by individuals and the team, great use of the touch line and co-operative effort to protect the try line. Individual performances worthy of note were those of Isabelle Wood and Bailey Hardy for their tenacious tackling and Lewis Deighton who continues to make intelligent and selfless passes.
Scorers: Reuben Marchant, Jacob Baker.