18/2/17: Burton 26-22 Moseley Oak

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Midlands 1 West
Results 18/2/17

Bournville 27-23 Newport
Burton 26-22 Moseley Oak
Crewe & Nantwich 24-39 Kenilworth
Dudley Kingswinford 20-12 Hereford
Whitchurch 22-23 Stratford upon Avon
Wolverhampton 22-27 Stoke on Trent
Worcester 22-16 Sutton Coldfield

Table
www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/midlands-division/2016-2017/group/21149#/table

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Saturday 18th February 2017
Burton upon Trent 26 - 22 Moseley Oak

Following their heavy defeat to Burton at home in October, Moseley Oak were determined to continue their improved run of form and make a real challenge in this match.

And so they did. Their defence was match better with Greg Naptin, Paul Cox and Jack Richards conspicuous in their tacking, while their determination at the breakdown was also significantly improved.

Burton began well and exerted pressure from the start. Within 13 minutes they had created 2 overlaps on the left and scored from both. It has however been clear since late November that this Moseley Oak team have a great spirit and that became evident.

Firstly Ollie Thomas kicked a penalty after sustained pressure, and despite another unconverted Burton try Moseley gained a further 7 points from a Paul Cox score, catching a brilliant Thomas cross field kick on the full.

Burton started the second half well and 18-10 quickly became 23-10. Back came Moseley winning penalties at the breakdown enabling Duncan White to score from a line out drive. Soon after, a run down the left from Jack Richards led to fast ball and good hands from Morgan Dawes put Kain Aldren-Barnett in for the 3rd try. Ollie Thomas converted to make it 23-22.

A penalty conceded after 79 minutes extended Burton's lead to 4 points and that's where matters ended.

A good and robust encounter enjoyed by the home supporters.

A win for second placed Burton but also a valuable bonus point to sixth placed Moseley Oak.