Western Counties North

Burnham 10, Keynsham 12

BURNHAM’S first match of the season didn't quite go according to plan as they slipped to a 12-10 defeat at the hands of Keynsham.

The home side scored the only try of the game courtesy of Russell Pike, but four Keynsham penalties ensured Burnham would take only a losing bonus point from the match.

Keynsham attacked strongly for the first 20 minutes forcing Burnham into conceding penalties, for which they were punished twice as the visitors opened up a 0-6 lead.

Burnham hit back almost immediately - after Keynsham kicked deep into Burnham's territory, Russell Pike was perfectly placed to return the kick with interest, follow up and judge the bounce immaculately to cross the line.

Tim Piper converted to give Burnham a 7-6 lead.

Just before half-time Burnham conceded a scrum infringement to enable Keynsham to go into the break leading 7-9.

In the second-half Burnham were awarded a penalty when Keynsham were caught offside, giving Piper the opportunity make it 10-9.

For the next 30 minutes neither side were able to make the breakthrough until the closing moments of the game, when Burnham's ill-discipline cost them another kickable penalty to hand victory to Keynsham.

Burnham's defence was paramount only to be counterbalanced by the number of penalties they gave away.

The back line, especially Beau Dickens, worked hard to ensure their line remained intact, but it wasn’t quite enough.

This weekend Burnham are away to Gordano, kick-off 3pm.