*GAME OFF* Burton v Bromsgrove Match Preview

Only four weeks ago Burton were targeting this week’s home game with Bromsgrove as the biggest game of the season so far at Peel Croft. For so long Bromsgrove were the early pace setters thanks to a last minute win over Burton in week 2 (33-31) and Burton were only keeping in touch with the number of bonus points they had accumulated. That was back to the start of November and since then Bromsgrove have lost 2 games and were very close to losing a 3rd last time out to bottom club Sutton Coldfield (winning 24-20). The two defeats came at the hands of Stourbridge Lions (22-36) and Stoke (29-37). These are two side which gavee the Crofters problems but resulted in comfortable victories.

Bromsgrove’s poor run of form means they have now slipped to third in the table, 9 points behind league leader Burton. It is still a big day for all concerned with Burton knowing a win could put some clear daylight between them and their rivals. Second spot is now occupied by Dudley Kingswinford who since losing at home to Burton (10-41) have gone on a winning run of 7 games and are handily 5 points behind Burton. It could be that after Saturdays results Dudley become the new challengers.

It is rumoured that the down turn in Bromsgrove’s fortunes is linked with a long injury list but it’s still expected to be a tough game. A feature of their play from the previous encounter was their strong carries my their forwards and their winger was their most dangerous player. Burton need to be up to the physical battle and hence have gone for size up front with the notable return of Joe Gazzard in the second row alongside Ken Archer. Gazzard has been nursing a back injury for the past few games but 100% ready to go this week. This allows Lewis Sturgess to move back into the back row with Domonic Taylor and skipper, Jack Neal. The front row of Bakeni, Davies and Tivey is unchanged. The back line selection is also unchanged from last week’s postponed game versus Sutton. With plenty of front row cover throughout the side the coaches could opt to have two back row players on the bench who can provide another dimension when called upon. The final back replacements looks to be a selection between Bitterhout, Mullarach, Betty and Mountford. All of which are worthy of a starting place, such is the depth in the squad.

Team Manager, Jono Edwards, looks forward to the game…….

“Ever since we lost at Bromsgrove the players have been targeting this game as a chance to put the record straight. Even though we could have come away with a win at their place that day it was a really below par performance when we compare it to the rest of the season. Our big players didn’t function and a couple of yellow cards at key times in the match really cost us. Even with their dip in form they still have quality in their side and we will need to bring our A game to get the victory. The league will not be won or lost on Saturday but it will act as a springboard as we move into the New Year”.

The A XV travel to Newbold this week (kick off 1:30 pm) knowing a win will push them up to 4th in the table as we approach the Christmas break which will be a great achievement and a platform to push on and challenge for a top 3 finish.

Hopefully the weather will hold off and the game will be played which coincides with the club’s Christmas Cracker Day. Mini and Junior players are asked to come down and cheer on the first team. There is also opportunity for the younger age groups to act as flag bearers or mascots. Anyone interested should arrive to the ground for 1.30 pm by the players tunnel to await instructions. Members need to remember their membership card to gain entry and children are Free. On Sunday it is the Annual Christmas Party hosted by the Burton RFC Young Ambassadors. The fun starts at 2.00pm with something for all ages with Santa arriving at 2.30pm.

1st XV Team Annoucement - https://vimeo.com/247393625