Western Counties West

Burnham-on-Sea 1st XV 33, Torquay Athletic 3

BURNHAM continued their superb start to the season with a hard-fought victory over Torquay on Saturday.

The hosts scored four tries on their way to a bonus-point win, with Alan House, Hayden Tuttiett, Russ Pike and Mike Hocking all crossing.

For the first 25 minutes, Torquay defended resolutely as well as occasionally making a foray into the Burnham half, but the strength of Burnham’s pack took its toll on the visitors.

Burnham were awarded a penalty and Tuttiett fed Alan House in the wide channel to cross in the corner, Piper converted.

For the rest of the half, Burnham continued to press but, in their haste, conceded a penalty allowing Torquay to claim the three points just before half-time.

Burnham kept their foot on the pedal and were duly rewarded with two penalties, despatched by Piper.

Having given themselves a little breathing space, Burnham started to demonstrate their strength and tenacity, forcing Torquay backwards in all aspects of the game. Hayden Tuttiett soon found the gap and shot through for second.

Burnham were reduced to 14 but, such was their control, they caused Torquay to transgress allowing Piper to claim the penalty.

Shortly afterwards, emphatic control and retention by Burnham from one side to the other created sufficient space for Russ Pike to score in the corner.

Into the last two minutes, Burnham’s solid lineout produced a strong driving maul for Mike Hocking to peel off and score out wide.

l Burnham are away to Okehampton on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.