Great Start to the Season

First game of the new season against Ashfield Ladies RFC. Many of the Ladies had never played before and most had only been to one training session prior to the game. Despite the lack of experience though, Burton came away with a fantastic result, winning 19-5.

It was a very physical game requiring Burton to put in big hits and stay solid and organised in Defence.

Ashfield played some good moves through the backs and managed to create gaps breaking the Burton defence a number of times in the first quarter. The Burton backs never gave up though, Gabs Young, Abi Jones, Rachel Young and Rachel Burton chased hard and put in some great try saving tackles.

The first points of the game came from Burton. Through solid attacking phases and good driving by the forwards, Zara Dobson, Amy Fox. Siobhan Ashton - Cleary and Stacey Baker were able to suck in the Ashfield players creating space for Burton to attack in to, well timed offloads meant that backs, Amanda Kinder, Sarah Tooze and Emma Tickle could storm up the field creating the first try of the game.

The Burton spirits were high and in the excitement of scoring first, the ladies momentarily lost concentration. Ashfield were quick off the mark and took full advantage of this breaking through Burton's defence to quickly bring the score back level.

Burton started the second half more determined than ever. Becky James, Sian Atton and Jennie Wass consistently made superb tackles and battled hard in rucks and mauls to turn over possession, they made great runs down the pitch and created some fantastic breaks. Nicola Long and Lauren Sellers worked equally as hard, making great talked and excellent runs up the wings.

Burton scored 2 more try's in the second half of the match, both easily placed in between the posts making two easy conversions for Emma Tickle.

Every single Burton player dug deep, worked hard for each other and put absolutely everything they had into the game, the final result was well deserved!

Forward of the match was awarded to Annika Overton for consistent hard work throughout the game, Annika made fantastic tackles, supported all areas of play and was an indispensable player on the pitch.

Back of the match was awarded to Becky Holder for a fantastic last minute try saving tackle. After just one training session Becky showed true determination and performed a technically correct tackle that stopped Ashfield from scoring in the last few moments of the game.

Special thanks go out to all who made the journey to Sutton in Ashfield.

By
Emma Tickle