UNDER-MANNED Uttoxeter seconds conceded three tries in the 19-8 away defeat against a tough and well-organised Yardley.

Despite travelling without any replacements, Uttoxeter started brightly with neat passing moves through the backs and hard-hitting tackles in the middle of the park from the forwards.

Uttoxeter took an early lead through the boot of scrum-half Paul Milward after Yardley were penalised for holding on in the breakdown.

Yardley responded with quick ball across the backs – forcing Uttoxeter to rely on cover tackles from captain Stuart Hall and hard-hitting Adam Cottier.

The Uttoxeter defence was eventually pierced however, when Yardley drove down the centre of the pitch and after several phases crossed the Uttoxeter line.

The conversion was missed and the score remained 5-3 up to half-time.

Again the majority of play was in the centre of the pitch at the start of the second period with good defensive work from both teams.

The first points fell to Yardley who quickly recycled the ball from a central position out to the wing. A two-man overlap was stopped just short of the line by Morgan Richardson and Ben Gallimore.

However, the next phase saw Yardley beat two tackles and the ball was placed over the Uttoxeter line.

The conversion went over to make it 12-3.

Uttoxeter rallied with Craig Barks and Anthony Davis making good breaks after some big hits by Tanner – supported by the tactical kicking of Mike Palin.

Despite the good play, Yardley again gained quick ball and burst through the Uttoxeter line to put down under the posts. Again the conversion was made.

The best was saved for last however, as Uttoxeter finally got their deserved try through a great team effort.

Steve Woolley and Mike McIntosh gained valuable yards in a central position.

The ball was then driven through several phases before being spun by Milward to Tom Sherratt, who sprinted over the line for the try.

The conversion was missed and the score remained 19-8 at the final whistle.

This weekend Uttoxeter 2nd XV travel to Linley.