Barton Under Needwood 16 Aston Old Edwardians 9

If this is the standard of rugby that we can expect in Midlands 4 (West) North, then long may the season continue. This was a game full of honest endeavour and no little skill played between two well matched sides. One defensive lapse was the difference between the sides, with both teams defending superbly throughout in the face of considerable pressure.

Barton Under Needwood settled into the game quickly and exerted early pressure, particularly in the set piece, and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 13 minutes with a penalty following a scrum on the 22. For much of the remainder of the first period Aston were held within their own half, and only valiant tackling kept Barton at bay. Barton thought they had scored on the half hour when they drove over the try-line, but the referee had been upended and whilst prostrate on the ground was unsighted and could not confirm the score.

Further intensive pressure forced another penalty, which was pushed left of the posts, but with the half time whistle approaching a smart backs move saw winger and full back combine, and a missed tackle allowed the wing to canter in from 40 yards and touch down between the posts. With the conversion added, Barton had assumed a well deserved 10-0 lead. However, Aston put together a series of driving mauls, and progressed into the 22, where Barton conceded a penalty. Ian Lyons converted on the stroke of half-time to leave the score 10-3 to the home side.

The second period saw a reversal of fortune, with Aston dominating both possession and territory. Whilst all players contributed, the superb driving of Ethan Channer, Julius Hunt and Ray Brown was most impressive, whilst Dave Roberts continually asked questions of the Barton backs with some elusive running. However, the attacking prowess of Aston was matched by the defensive efforts of Barton, and whilst Aston narrowed the gap with a second Lyons penalty after 47 mins, Barton responded in kind 9 minutes later.

A period of Barton pressure in the Aston 22 was repelled with another display of excellent defence, before Lyons was able to narrow the gap to 13-9 after 72 minutes with his third penalty.

Unfortunately Aston conceded a penalty almost immediately from the kick off which Barton gratefully kicked. With time rung out, further strong running from Ethan Channer, Ray Brown and coach Nick Whiteman took Aston to the try line, but with Aston hoping for the score, the referee determined that the ball had been held up, and ordered a 5 yard scrum.

Another 5 minutes of constant Aston pressure was again met with determined defence from Barton, who appeared most relieved when the final whistle sounded, with Aston disappointed to pick up just a losing bonus point.

A great match to watch, well refereed, and played by two well matched sides who neither asked for, or gave, a quarter throughout.