BURTON RFC will attempt to break their own record on Saturday by pushing a 1.4 tonne scrummage machine for eight hours.
The record, currently set at a daunting 23.56miles, is currently held by the Burton Under-18 squad, who received help from last year’s colts to set this formidable record.
From 10am till 6pm, the Under-17s, Under-18s and Under-19 will attempt to push the Predator scrummage machine, which is the same weight as a Ford Focus, around a 0.25mile track at Shobnall Leisure Complex.
Shobnall have not only offered the club the use of the area without charge, they are also helping them mark out the customised track and ballast the Scrummage machine on arrival.
In a physically strenuous event, the pushers are made to work exhaustively in awkward positions, but they are hopeful that the end result will be a Guinness world record certificate.
All the young players have already worked hard to raise sponsorship prior to the event, and all funds will be going to ensure the players have the correct equipment going into their final junior years.
During the event, a barbecue and light refreshments will be available and the club have called on supporters to come down for the last couple of hours and see a world record in the making.
Burton have an abundance of riches across the junior age groups, with over 100 registered players coming into this season.
The Crofters will be the only side in Staffordshire to be running two under-17 squads, an under-18 development squad and a highly competitive colts team, who are celebrating their 50th year.
The event would not have been able to go ahead if it was not for the support of the team’s sponsors and Predator, who supplied the scrum machine.
Packaging company Weedon PSC and fire protection providers FireStopIt have supported the event with generous sponsorship.
The Under-17s are still looking for a main sponsor for the coming season, anyone interested should contact jdrage@hotmail.com.
BURTON have announced the appointment of Jonathan Martin as their commercial manager as they continue their planning for National League rugby.
Martin, 42, is already working with, and advising several other professional and semi-professional sports clubs across the Midlands and Wales on maximising their existing commercial activities.
Burton promotions chairman Carl Atkinson said: “We are delighted that Jonathan has agreed to come on board and help us at this important chapter in the club’s history.
“We are looking to continue to build the club both on and off the field.
“His experiences gained in professional and semi-professional sport will greatly help us as we plan the development of the rugby club over the next few years.” Martin added: “I am honoured to have been offered the position as commercial manager of Burton as they enter such an important chapter in the club’s history.
“The achievements of the committee and members are to be commended over the last few seasons, and I am particularly impressed with the outstanding community spirit and ethos that is present at this historic club.
“I have no doubt that my experience gained through working with several successful sports clubs over the last seven years will enable me to maximise the existing revenue streams at the rugby club.
