Western Counties West
Burnham-on-Sea 24, Exeter University 0

BURNHAM continued their rich vein of home form against high-flying Exeter University, running out 24-0 winners.

Exeter were coming off a 71-3 rout of Tiverton, whereas Burnham had narrowly lost out to a strong Devonport Services side.

There were many changes to Burnham’s starting pack, most notably Adam Sharp starting at hooker – his first game for at least several seasons – and the welcome return of Luke Gowan.

Burnham set out to retain possession and the tone was set from the first minute of the game, with players offering themselves up for carries, the support play being top drawer and a defensive line hungry for work.

After dominating territory, Otti Fakaosi took off on an arcing run which took him outside his man, then offloading in the tackle to send away Brandon Pettitt on a 20-metre run to the line to score.

Alex Watkins added the extras for 7-0.

Straight from the kick-off Burnham recycled possession and put more pressure on the students, who started to lose their discipline and gave up a few penalties which Burnham chose to kick for the corner and set for the lineout drive.

After phase upon phase of Burnham pressing an overlap was created and after some nice hands through the backs Matty Love was put into space – he evaded several would-be tacklers to dot down.

This was converted by Watkins for a 14-0 lead.

Shortly before half time while under more immense pressure from the home side Exeter lost two players to a nasty head clash. This stopped the game for some time and a longer half time was called.

After some good work by the ref the game started for the second half.

After being guilty of switching off in previous games Burnham had no such issues today and hammered back in to the students with renewed vigour.

Exeter had more ball at the start of the second half but Burnham’s defence was outstanding with Luke Gowan, Joshua Holder and Richard Muskett putting in superb individual displays.

Burnham hit back with a move down the right, and Watkins dummied to Otti, who proceeded to cruise in under the posts. Watkins picked up an injury in setting up the try, so Jordan Paul took the conversion and missed, but still Burnham led 19-0.

Burnham swung straight back onto attack and after more pressure and some great carries from Matt Fear, who had come on to replace the injured Adam Sharp, and Matthew Slater, the hosts scored out wide through Paul, who finished a movement which included a classic dummy line from Chris Warner and great hands once again from the backs for a try straight from the training paddock.

That meant it was now 24-0 to Burnham.

The last 10 minutes of the game saw Exeter piling forward in hope of getting something out of the game, but Burnham’s defence held tight.

Finally the ball was turned over and the ball was cleared, Burnham’s line intact and the game over.

This was a great performance by Burnham, beating one of the top sides while missing regular starters; and doing it so emphatically shows the belief and talent that this squad is starting to develop.

Man of the match: Sam Lewis.

***

Somerset 2S
Minehead Barbarians 2nd XV 13, Burnham-on-Sea 2nd XV 15

BURNHAM travelled to Minehead with a side of both youth and experience, and with Minehead’s 1sts not playing they expected to face a strong team.

By half time Burnham found themselves 13 points behind following some dubious refereeing decisions.

Yet the interval proved to be Burnham’s inspiration and Minehead’s downfall.

With their older heads, notably Barry Davis, Chris Panayi, Glenn Cutter and Tim Piper, lifting the youngsters, Burnham clawed their way back.

Firstly Harding, who had an excellent game at scrum-half, spotted a gap and broke away successfully, finding Shaw, before good support from the pack saw the ball was recycled for the backs to link up and send Felix to race for the corner and 13-5.

With 10 minutes to go Burnham worked their way up the pitch and stole a Minehead lineout, Beard collared the ball and drove for the line and Piper, following behind, collected the ball and squeezed over for 13-10.

By this time Burnham had the bit between their teeth.

After another Shaw charge, they set up the ruck and, in the last move of the match, Burnham’s backs whipped the ball down the line for Connor Howard to race into the corner from 22 metres out, completing a super comeback and 15-13 Burnham win.

This Burnham team are getting better and, when injured players return, could rapidly climb the league.

Man of the match: Ryan Beard.