Webb Ellis Somerset Cup
Quarter-final
Clevedon 59, Burnham-on-Sea 7

BURNHAM travelled to North Somerset for a county cup quarter-final against Clevedon – who play their rugby in the higher South West 1 West division – with 11 teenage players in the squad, writes John Piper.

All of those young players performed admirably well, giving their all against more battle-hardened opposition.

If Burnham can keep a good percentage of these lads, along with the other young players still in their early twenties, then the future of the club looks bright.

There were debuts for Ethan Hill, Jude Donnelly, Birkan Gunduz, Jarod Neill, Archie Neale, James Havercroft and Thomas Harris, who scored the visitors’ try, which was converted by Tim Piper.

While the scoreline suggests that Burnham was overwhelmed, three of the tries were interceptions when Burnham were pressing Clevedon’s line.

It was a very entertaining encounter, and no-one shirked their responsibility.

Burnham return to league matters this coming Saturday, with a crunch match away to Tiverton, who are two places and four points ahead of the Seasiders, who are currently bottom of the table after a 22-20 defeat to St Ives two weekends ago.

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AFTER a week off, Burnham-on-Sea 2nd XV are at home this Saturday, as they entertain Somerset 2 South basement side Tor 2nds.

In contrast to the struggles of Burnham’s 1sts this season, the second string are sitting third in their league with 32 points.

Castle Cary are running away with the division, but second-placed Weston-super-Mare 4ths are only two points ahead of Burnham, with both having played nine games.