UTTOXETER continue their preparations for the new season with a warm-up game at Stone on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.
The town side will be looking to build on an encouraging display in a friendly at Burntwood, who played two levels higher last season.
Uttoxeter were on the wrong end of a 34-24 scoreline, but director of rugby Don Hayes saw cause for optimism.
He said: “This was a very encouraging and positive start to our build-up to the new season. Many of these players have never played alongside each other before, but the squad knitted together very well.”
Uttoxeter conceded two early tries at Burntwood, but the deficit was reduced when flanker Jack Conlon went over the line following some good work from forwards Matt Nance, Shaun Gorman and Andy Clowes. Lee Bloor converted.
Burntwood extended their lead to 19-7 only for the visitors to respond when winger Ant Wild dived through a tackle to touch down. Bloor converted and then added a penalty.
Sandwiched between more scores for the hosts, Uttoxeter’s final points came courtesy of a fine individual effort by flyhalf starlet Lewis Bain.
He scooped up a loose ball, weaved his way through the covering pack and further eluded the Burntwood backs to touch down for the try of the match.
Paul Milward made the conversion to bring the scores level briefly.
