Top of the table clash ends in a thrilling defeat for Crofter's

Burton Under 17`s travelled to WOLVERHAMPTON RFC in a Staffordshire County League Fixture.

SQUAD LIST

Benjamin, Cole, Finney, Higginson, Hulland, Marshall, Mason, Mckendrick, Millington, Mycock, Pickett, Roden, Sharp, Shaw, Sturgess, Valentine, Welsford, Williams.

STARTING LINE-UP

1. Loose Head Prop – Ben Higginson
2. Hooker – Max McKendrick (Captain)
3. Tight Head Prop – Josh Shaw
4. 2nd Row – Curtis Marshall
5. 2nd Row – Ben Hulland
6. Blind Side Flanker – Joe Mycock
7. Open Side Flanker – Max Williams
8. Number 8 – Lewis Sturgess
9. Scrum Half – George Roden
10. Fly Half – Tom Benjamin
11. Left Wing – Alex Finney
12. Inside Centre – Sam Valentine
13. Outside Centre – Harry Pickett
14. Right Wing – Ryan Sharp
15. Full Back –Lewis Mason

MATCH REPORT

This “Top of the Table Clash” saw both sides take to the field boasting 100% records knowing that something had to give. Burton had won their previous four fixtures including an excellent victory last week against Stafford. Wolverhampton, Staffordshire County Champions 2012 & 2013, had won all their previous five fixtures against all other county sides & were in confident mood.

On Burton’s previous 2 visits to Wolves have ended with successive defeats so they had something to prove. The game started with a Wolverhampton kick off into the strong windy conditions. The ball did not go 10 so a scrum was awarded to Burton. George Roden fed the ball into Burton’s front row where Josh Shaw, Ben Higginson & Captain Max Mckendrick got an almighty shove on. Roden then fed the back line where Tom Benjamin totally bossed & marshalled his troops. From the first ruck, Max Williams took it on to within their 22 metre area before Wolves got their hands on ball. As the hosts countered, they were met by Alex Finney who tackled their big Right Winger.

On 5 mins, Lewis Sturgess put in a crunching tackle on his opposite number in mid-field to secure the ball. Joe Mycock again took it on before slipping the ball to Benjamin who showed the County Champions a clean pair of heels to dart over in the corner. This move capped a dominant start to the game. Sam Valentine took the conversion from outwide but came up just short.

The game continued at a fanatic pace with Burton well up for the challenge offered by their hosts. Wolves came straight back & attacked down both flanks. With a couple of missed tackles, & a moments lapse in concentration, they were back in the game when they slid over for the leveller. They failed to convert their try.

Burton were very much on top with Benjamin’s & Valentine’s kicking game paying dividends in getting Burton down field. Time & time again, Wolves kicked it back only for Lewis Mason to catch every ball & return it with interest. It was one of Mason’s macey runs that was counter-rucked on the stroke of half-time. Benjamin, stole in & hacked the ball forward before Valentine chipped it over the top. There was a foot race with their full back, the ball bobbled about on their try line & Valentine pounced on the loose ball to score a try. Valentine’s conversion sailed through the posts to give Burton a half time lead Wolverhampton 5 – 12 Burton.

WOLVERHAMPTON 5
BURTON 12 (Tries – Benjamin, Valentine. Con – Valentine)

The 2nd half begun with Burton kicking off into the wind. The ball sailed downfield & was followed up by Curtis Marshall who put in a great tackle on their No:8 as he tried to return the ball. Ben Hulland used his giant frame to drive in to turn over the ball. The ball came out to Burton’s backs where Harry Pickett showed his calibre by breaking the gain line to take Burton within striking distance but play fizzled out when Wolves upped their intensity & cleared the ball into touch. A lineout was awarded & Burton’s calls were solid all game. However on 40 mins, Burton were penalised for being offside at the ruck, Wolves took a quick tap & go with Burton not set. Their No:13 broke through & slid over to score a try. The kick was converted to level the scores at 12 all.

Wolves seemed to up their game as Burton held firm. As the visitor’s attacked down the left, a certain try went begging as hands in the ruck was called. Wolves kicked downfield where Sheridan Cole plucked the ball out of the air. Ryan Sharp came in & took the ball on eagerly supported by Ryan Welsford but where Burton’s intensity was strong in the first half, their level was dropping as Wolves grew.

On 60 mins the scores were level & an incident involving their centre seemed to spark the hosts as in quick succession, 3 tries were scored & 1 conversion as Burton failed to contain The County Champions. This led to the final score of Wolverhampton 29 – 12 Burton at the final whistle.

WOLVERHAMPTON 29
BURTON 12 (Tries – Benjamin, Valentine. Con – Valentine)

The Coaching Team would like to congratulate all the players whom took part in this fixture as Wolverhampton have been County Champions for 2012 & 2013 for a reason. Burton showed how far they have come by leading for long lengths & only succumbing in the final 10 mins. That shows the development of the players so well done boys.