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Burnham 17, Avon 17

A LATE Avon try denied Burnham a third successive league victory, as they were forced to settle for a draw at home to high-flying Avon.

Burnham scored two tries courtesy of Ben Gibb and Jordan Wikiteria, while Tim Piper a penalty and two conversions from the kicking tee - but two second-half tries from the visitors levelled the scores.

In modern parlance, this was a game of two halves - in the first-half, Burnham continued from where they had left off the previous week - in a controlled fashion.

But it was Avon who took the lead on 29 minutes - after securing good possession from a penalty lineout, they set up an efficient maul and trundled over for the first score.

Burnham immediately replied with Muskett regaining the ball from the kick-off and quickly offloading to Pike, who had the vision to release Ben Gibb to score for the hosts.

Tim Piper added the conversion and Burnham continued to press, forcing Avon into errors - and after a couple of penalty line outs, Avon infringed again, giving Piper the chance to add three more points.

Just before halftime, Burnham fashioned a well worked try.

Good support after two phases gave Lewis time to feed Piper, who in turn found Ross McKechan, who produced two delightful dummies before slipping the ball inside for Jordan Wikiteria to charge in under the posts.

Piper added the extras to extend the lead to 17-5.

The second half was a reversal of the first and even Burnham's heroic defending could not keep Avon out, eventually conceding a penalty try and a further score out wide.

Luckily for Burnham, Avon's conversion attempt hit the post enabling the hosts to hang on for two valuable points.

Head coach Graham Buller was pleased with most of Burnham's first half but said they need to develop more of a killer instinct when they get the opportunities.

Burnham's next match is away to Barton Hill on January 31.