Burton 23 Kenilworth 8: Kenilworth’s hopes of upsetting Burton are gone in 60 seconds

The early exchanges were an opportunity for the hosts to establish a platform using their size advantage but Kenilworth were more than a match defensively and the initial series of attacks were all successfully repelled.

Not that it was all one-way traffic; the visitors looked to counter at every opportunity and one such steal by James Wadey saw the Ks maul the ball a good 20m.

Such moments can inspire teams and the following attack saw Ed Hannam cut a sublime line through the Burton defence but the chip ahead was well fielded. Eventually Burton ground their way out of their 22 and produced a set move which took play almost to the try line. Only some stout defence kept them out but the warning signs were there.

As if on cue, the next attack saw the Burton eight crash over for the first score of the day but only after half an hour of committed defence by Ks.

Kenilworth were soon back level, however. Nyle Beckett turned the wing over and looked to break outside. Hannam offered him another good line and, seeing nothing on, chipped ahead. The centre allowed the covering full-back to collect and get to his feet but he was eventually called for holding on and quick thinking by Alex Selby saw him tap and go to score.

Burton began the second half with real intent and the first ten minutes were almost exclusively spent in the Ks’ 22. More heroic defence kept the scores level but eventually a rather harsh penalty provided breathing space and an opportunity for the hosts to take the lead.

An inspired maul drove the ball within inches of the Burton line but the referee decided that momentum had stopped and possession was turned over. Another Ks attack ended in bizarre fashion with the Burton ten coming round on the wrong side of the scrum and kicking the ball away - the official decided that a penalty was the appropriate punishment and Niall Hickman nailed it to bring the scores level again.

Burton looked to retake the lead with a driving maul but outstanding defence brought progress to a halt. Just as Ks were celebrating their heroic efforts, the decision went in favour of the home side and, from the ensuing scrum, they scored with a centre miss-move to make the score 13-8 .

The next 60 seconds defined the game and ultimately decided its outcome.

From the restart, a speculative kick ahead was met with indecision by the covering Kenilworth players, an error pounced on by the Burton centre who scored on the crash ball.

In the space of two minutes Kenilworth had gone from level terms to a ten-point deficit and the final act of the game was a bonus-point try for Burton with time running out.