Barton RFC started their new season having been promoted into the Midlands 3 West (North) of Midlands Division. This was always going to be a massive test for the village side, facing up to teams who have been challenging the higher divisions for many seasons, Barton having reached this level after many years of trying. Their opposition on Saturday were Willenhall, a team who had a poor start to last season but had ended up beating many of the main rivals to finish in the top half of the league. Willenhall were a big opposition whose game was always going to evolve around the strength of their pack.
Barton on the other hand although excited at the prospect of playing at the higher level also had to juggle players between their First and Second teams who were both paying their respective Willehall sides. The first team were playing at Holland Sports Club and were proud to start with three of their former colts Luke Lloyd at 10 , Toby Marshall wing, and flanker Kieran Thomas . The game was also a first league start for Sam Mcginn. It was Luke Lloyd who provided the first points of the season by kicking a penalty only minutes into the game, however this certainly motivated the opposition who came back with two quick tries utilizing a very powerful crash ball attack which tested the Barton defensive line.
The power of the pack also resulted in Luke Day being carried off injured which meant a reshuffle of the forwards and a welcome to Jake Manning making his debut and who came on into the back row with Cam Handy propping up the front row.
Barton responded well by avoiding the forwards and stretching the ball out wide to winger Martin Woolston who scored the hosts first try and which was converted by Lloyd.
Barton gained confidence and soon Woolston scored again converted by Lloyd. The injuries howoever were beginning to build and John Drages injury meant that Barton had used up their front row replacements. and the game had to revert to uncontested scrums. The new laws of the game meant that Barton had to play the rest of the game with 14 players. The lack of number resulted in a Willenhall third try which was unconverted, however Woollston completed a first half hat trick and at HT score Barton 24-19
The break allowed the opportunity for Barton coach Peter Weedon to convince his players that they needed to defend better, especially against the barrage of powerful runs from their opposition. During the week the villagers had been briefed by Burton Albion's Academy coach Dan Robinson who had spoken to them about how a small teams of underdogs can challenge stronger and larger teams. His words had certainly had an effect of Barton as in the second half they raised their game . Their defence improved emmensley and frustrated Willenhalls attempts at breaking through the defensive line. Although their opposition could find no way through, every opportunity was taken to feed the Barton wingers and soon Toby Marshall found his way to score two more tries and which were all converted by Lloyd who finished with 6 kicks out of 6.
The frustrated Willenhall team tried their best to unsettle the their hosts but despite some unsporting incidents and Barton being reduced to 13 players Barton held onto their lead despite having two tries scored in the final minutes by willenhall taking the score to 38 – 33.
This result was a great Confidence boost for the village team who displayed
outstanding defence and huge character, whilst displaying the key points which Dan Robinson sought from them of Simple fearless resilience.
Barton second team also showed resilience when facing up to a very large and powerful Willenhall Second team. Manager Myles Tydenham worked hard to keep them motivated and was proud of their fearless attempts to get points on the board after having relentless attacks which weekend the team over the eighty minutes.
The next home game will be on Saturday 23rd September when Barton play host for the first time to Burntwood RFC. These teams have never met each other in competition before and despite their history of friendship and support, this will certainly prove to be a massive test for both teams.
