Western Counties North

Burnham 17 Matson 22

AN injury time try from league leaders Matson broke Burnham hearts, as they slipped to a 22-17 defeat at the BASC on Saturday.

Two penalties from Tim piper had drawn Burnham level at 17-17 heading into the final minutes, but the Gloucestershire outfit snatched victory with the very last play.

Burnham elected to play against the strong wind and after being penned back in their own half, they soon broke out and were rewarded when Matson were caught offside.

Piper duly obliged to give Burnham a 3-0 lead, before Matson levelled the scores in identical fashion.

Shortly after, in a rare excursion into Matson's half, Burnham were awarded a penalty, which was quickly taken by Piper, who passed on to Wikiteria.

He timed his pass to perfection for a marauding Henry Bigwood to race in from 25 metres to give the hosts an 8-3 lead.

Unfortunately Burnham suffered a yellow card just before half-time - and almost immediately after the restart, Matson were caught offside and Burnham moved further ahead.

This was just the kick up the proverbial that Matson needed and for the next 15 minutes they proceeded to show why they are the top team, recording two converted tries to ease themselves back into the lead at 11-17.

Burnham, however were not to be denied and pounded away at Matson's line, clawing their way back level with two further penalties from Piper.

The match moved into injury time and Matson were able to mount one more final effort, culminating in an unconverted try.