Tribute Western Counties North

Burnham 8, Bristol Harlequins 23

BURNHAM continued their downward slide with a home defeat to Bristol Saracens, despite matching their opponents for more than an hour.

Eventually Quins’ superior size and strength took its toll to send Burnham back into the bottom three in Western Counties North.

For the first half, Burnham had a slight edge in territory but gave the ball away too often in potential try scoring situations.

At half-time Quins led by two penalties to one – and after the break Burnham, kept their opponents at bay for 25 minutes until they conceded a penalty lineout.

Quins gathered in and completed a rolling maul to power over – and from the kick-off, Burnham gained possession only to see Quins turn the ball over, swiftly counter-attack and score out wide.

Burnham however were not to be denied and after successfully gaining a penalty lineout they for once outmuscled Quins for Jordan Wikiteria to claim the try.

Unfortunately Burnham were unable to maintain the momentum and in the final moments Quins broke away to score a converted try.

A spirited display by Burnham - who were forced to make five changes through injury and unavailability – but just ran out of steam and now find themselves in the relegation zone.

This week Burnham are playing Wells in a quarter-final of the Somerset Cup.

Kick-off is 2pm.