Tribute Western Counties North

Burnham 23, Bristol Saracens 5

BURNHAM emerged the victors in a fast and furious clash with Bristol Saracens on Saturday.

Despite being forced to make changes late on because of injuries, Burnham ran in two tries while Tom Chaffey kicked 13 points.

Burnham started brightly and a storming run by Wikiteria forced Saracens onto the back foot culminating in a penalty, which was converted by Chaffey.

With play ebbing and flowing, Burnham went further ahead after a period of pressure producing a series of moves involving both backs and forwards, before Russ Pike gathered a long pass and raced in close to the posts.

From then on neither side was able to break through until Burnham were eventually awarded a penalty for Saracens interfering in the ruck.

Chaffey duly obliged to take the score to 13-0 at half-time.

The start of the second half saw a carbon copy of the first and for 30 minutes everything stayed the same, except for another penalty for Burnham, successfully kicked by Chaffey.

Saracens at last found the key to unlock Burnham's defence when their scrum half darted under the outstretched arms to dive over.

Ten minutes later, Burnham were awarded a penalty and kicked to touch.

Having secured the lineout, the hosts negotiated three hard fought phases before creating enough space for Tom Chaffey to score out wide and then add the extras to complete a hard-fought win.

On Saturday, Burnham are away to Stothert and Pitt - kick-off 2.30pm.