“Fun in the Sun”

Another excellent turn out from the under 7’s squad, with 15 very enthusiastic and vocal young men, accompanied by a throng of parents, groupies and supporters in attendance for our inaugural competitive outing. Part of our Senior Management Team, Steve “young at heart” Smith was not present due to being on a pre-arranged scouting weekend in the South of the Country and his Colleague, George Fargar, scouting further afield in the Sunny climates of Australia.

The Squad was arranged into 2 teams for the day, with a mix of flare, stealth and spirit making up each cohort, again underlining the strength in depth available to the Management Team.

Team A consisted of, Lewis, Will D, James, Aaron, Thomas, George and Alfie T

Team B consisted of, Elliot, Will B, Alfie W, Finley, Peter, Harvey, Harry and Joseph

Burton A kicked off proceedings, under the stewardship of a very cool looking Damon, against a well organised Melbourne A, with Burton running out victorious, 7 to 6. Victory was also ground out against Ashby A, 5 to 3, with Burton taking their foot off the pedal in the final group game, losing out to Vipers A, 10 to 6.

The quality of Rugby played by Burton was a joy to watch, with the rolling substitution method used to utilise the full team, Lewis played his tagging and running game with his usual enthusiastic smile, ably assisted by Alfie T, putting in a characteristic solid and sturdy display, coupled with “The Steam Roller like” sorties for the try line that have become synonymous of him! James showed glimpses of his natural speed, blink and you miss him,similar to that of a Ferrari!! chipping in with very useful and timely tries. Thomas, drifted in, under the radar, scoring several tries having gone on many a Mazy run, George carried on his excellent form, displaying a very focused vision of supporting his team mates and getting that ball over the try line come what may, at times pretending not to hear the refs whistle!!

Aaron, well, what a performance! I think he collected more Tags than Rich Tyers collected yellow cards in his illustrious playing days. On that performance, I can’t wait until a bit of contact is allowed. Finally, Will Dent, a little biased I know, but what a transformation! A performance to be proud of, supporting his team mates, wanting the ball at every opportunity and scoring some fantastic tries, wizardry to match that of Harry Potter!! Things certainly clicked into place today, it must have been all down to the impact of the sun!!!

Burton B kicked off their group stages, being ably looked after by a mix of parental experience, and the youth and raw experience of Rich Tyers. Match 1, against a team from Vipers was a very close affair, with Burton eventually being “Piped to the post” 9 to 7. Burton faired better in their second match against Ashby B, running out winners, 9 to 7. An indifferent result against a strong Barton B side was then followed by victory in the last group match against Melbourne B, Burton leaving it late to secure a well deserved 8 to 7 victory, with this victory having the potential to set up a Final of the Under 7,s Bowl between both Burton A and B, just needed to negotiate Sutton Coldfield.

The same level of quality, determination and Team spirit was again displayed by all team members, with Alfie W, Finlay, and Joseph ghosting around the pitch with a stealth like presence, causing the opposition problems, Will B, Harvey and Harry all keen to get their hands on the ball, run when able and supporting their team mates at every opportunity, what a front row for the future!!?!? Peter put in his usual, very steady performance, always willing to get the ball to the try line, no matter what or who was wanting to stand in his way, chipping in with some good tagging and important tries. Finally, last but not least, was Elliot, a performance reminiscent of Peter Shilton in his heyday (whilst at Derby!!!), nothing was getting past him with a tag on and like wise, when it came to it, showed the same tenacious nature using his Gazelle like speed to chip in with several Tries.

All in all, both Burton sides put in solid performances throughout the group stages with both sides making it through to the Semi Finals.

Semi Finals

Burton A played out a very close, and tough fought semi final, defeating a courageous Sutton Coldfield A by 7 to 4, with tries coming from Will Dent, Lewis, James and Aaron, with the whole team, “Working as One” to set the potential of an all Burton final

Then was the turn of Burton B, taking on a Sutton Coldfield B side that had finished 3rd in a strong group B. Finding themselves 5 to 2 down at half time, Burton were always on the back foot, never the less Burton came out for the 2nd half with the same dogged determination and vision, as displayed throughout the tournament with their “Never say Die” attitude, just falling short, coming out second best.

The Final

Burton A versus Sutton Coldfield B, with great anticipation, and fantastic support from the Burton Contingent, the game kicked off, and as expected the game was a very tight, “Tit for Tat” affair, with Sutton striking the first blow. The game was very evenly balanced with the teams coming in for half time on level pegging. Burton continued to excel in all areas, both Will Dent and James using their “lightning pace” to great effect, causing the opposition problems every time they got on the ball, with the same great support from all Team Members, matching that displayed in the group stages, Burton began to edge in front, Aaron being determined to get hold of the loose ball to forge his way to the try line to score a magnificent try, Burton now had the bit between their teeth with good defensive work from Lewis and Alfie T, George and Thomas continued with their mazy runs, culminated in Burton scoring their final try, with Will Dent going over to make the scores 6 to 4. With 30 seconds remaining Sutton crossed the try line again to set up a tense, final few seconds, Burton holding out to secure their first piece of silver ware!! Or so we thought……………..

On a final note, I would like to congratulate Ashby on putting on a very enjoyable and well organised tournament. Unfortunately our scoreline didn't match that of the referee but “hey ho” as they say. For those who were there and participated, we all know the correct outcome and both Burton teams should hold their heads up high having turned in performances throughout the day that were far above those expected, considering their limited time in the sport.

Well done to all concerned, onwards and upwards, can’t wait to see what George and Steve bring back from their travels!!!!

CARL DENT

Editor in Chief