RUGBY: Burnham Seconds score eight tries in Somerset Two South win over Tor

THE first team game against Truro having been cancelled due to a frozen pitch, an appreciative group took the trip across the Moors to Tor, writes John Piper.

And Burnham turned on the style in a convincing victory, outscoring Tor by eight tries to three.

After 10 minutes they were awarded a penalty lineout, gathered in by Ryan Beard, excellent all day in the lineout, which set up a rolling maul – Tim Piper breaking away to score out wide for 5-0.

Ten minutes later Burnham produced the same routine, only this time going to the backs, with Alex Watkins joining the line and tumbling over the line; Will Conway converted to make it 12-0.

Tor hit back with a try of their own, but just before half time lineout ball was recycled for Beard to wriggle over for a deserved try, making it 17-7 at the break.

Almost immediately after the interval, Burnham again stole Tor’s lineout, and McKen set off on a storming run and timed his pass to Piper to score, Conway adding the extras for 24-7.

Burnham were now completely in command of the set-piece, and another penalty lineout led to Farrell Rogan slipping off the side to score out wide for 29-7.

Straight from the restart Burnham fashioned another fine move, and Beard set up Felix Grandfield to elude his opposite number and score under the posts, Conway converting for 36-7.

Marsh then set up a ruck, enabling Havercroft to burst up the middle before finding a Ed Lewis on his shoulder to make it 41-7.

Five minutes later Tor were awarded a penalty try after interference from Burnham in a scrum, but immediately afterwards Burnham won a lineout, and quick ball went out to Brandon Pettitt, who scorched down the middle to go under the posts.

Sam Lewis converted for 48-14.

Just on full time Tor caught Burnham out with a cross kick, neatly gathered, to end the game.

This was an exhilarating game to watch, with 11 tries, but Burnham’s superiority in the lineout and general pace, in mind and body, sealed a comfortable win.

Next week’s fixtures see Burnham’s 1st XV – looking to pull away from the Western Counties West dropzone – travel to fifth-placed Wadebridge Camels.

Burnham 2nds, now fourth in the Somerset 2 South table, are at home to bottom side Midsomer Norton 3rds.

***

KNOCKOUT: Burnham Development exited the Somerset Cup. Pic: Sally Flack

BURNHAM-ON-SEA Rugby’s Development side gave a good account of themselves but went down 38-19 to the visiting Weston-super-Mare Hornets Colts in the Somerset Cup quarter-finals.

The Hornets shocked their hosts with two early tries, but Burnham hit back with two of their own in quick succession - though it was the away side who led by six points at half time.

Although Burnham began the second period with a try, from there it was the Hornets in command - scoring four unanswered tries to take the victory.