Western Counties North

Avon 36, Burnham 26

A SECOND-half fight-back wasn’t quite enough for Burnham, who were unable to overturn a 19-point half-time deficit in Saturday’s 36-26 defeat to Avon.

Losing 24-5 at the break, the visitors battled their way back into the game – but they had left themselves too much to do, although they did pick up a four-try bonus point.

Avon’s powerful rolling maul was Burnham’s problem area and an inability to halt it saw them slip behind.

Alan Weller pulled a score back for the visitors just before half-time, following a quick-tap penalty from Manley.

The score seemed to kick-start Burnham and they continued in the same vain after the break, with the backs creating mayhem amongst the Avon defence.

Jordan Paul soon crossed after a period of sustained pressure and Piper’s conversion made the score 24-12.

Avon reverted to their rumbling pack power and close to the line, Burnham were adjudged to have pulled down the maul and Avon were awarded a penalty try.

The hosts added a further score to extend their lead to 36-12 – but again this seemed to galvanise Burnham and after a long Avon kick, Jordan Paul finished a move he had started to give Burnham a lifeline.

Jack Pope added a fourth for Burnham on his first team debut, following neat work from Chaffey – Piper converted to reduce the deficit to ten points, but that’s how the game would finish Burnham are at home this week to Barton Hill – kick-off 3pm.