Tribute Western Counties North

Gordano 17, Burnham 22

BURNHAM bounced back from an opening weekend defeat to record a hard-fought victory over newly-promoted Gordano.

Tries from Luke Gowan, Alex Chase, Ross McKechan and Ashley Tucker sealed the bonus-point win for Burnham, while Josh Holder kicked one conversion.

Gordano started the better of the two teams, with Burnham struggling to clear their lines and eventually scored the opening try from a catch and drive move that culminated in the ball being whipped out to the backs, for the winger to cut inside and score under the posts.

Ten minutes later Burnham produced their own catch and drive from a penalty lineout to allow Luke Gowan to crash over.

Straight from the kick-off, Burnham set up a series of rucks and mauls, before Wikiteria burst through to offload for Alex Chase to record his first try for the club - Josh Holder converted for 12-7 half-time lead.

Burnham kept up the pressure after the break and 20 minutes into the second-half they forced Gordano into a mistake.

The resulting penalty was kicked into touch, before Burnham gathered the lineout and rumbled over for Ross McKechan to score.

Unfortunately with a combination of poor handling and loss of concentration they allowed Gordano back into the game and within five points - however Burnham were not to be denied and eventually, after a clutch of recycling the ball was fed out, Ashley Tucker scampered down the wing showing strength and ability to score out wide.

Gordano managed to stay in the game with a quickly taken penalty catching Burnham half asleep, but the away side held on to record a five-point win.

This was a worthy victory for Burnham, who showed great determination and good support play.

They are still giving away too many penalties but toughed it out for the 80 minutes with the help of some good substitutions, Jake Allen for instance.

Burnham are at home to Whitehall on Saturday, 3pm.