Western Counties West
St Ives 52, Burnham-on-Sea 24

BURNHAM-ON-SEA put in a valiant effort with the bare 15 players in their defeat at league leaders St Ives on Saturday.

With no replacements or front row cover for the long trip to Cornwall, Burnham knew they were in for a tough assignment but more than held their own in the first half.

The teams went into the break locked at 17-17 before the visiting players’ efforts took their toll in the second period as the Cornish outfit pulled away.

Burnham’s tries came from Richard Muskett, Conor Howard and Adam Peters, with Tim Piper adding three conversions and a penalty.

Relegation now looks almost certain for Burnham barring a miracle, as they are 19 points adrift with 25 left to play for in the remainder of the season.

They will need to win this weekend if they are to stand any chance, with third from bottom Paignton visiting in a re-arranged fixture.

Burnham 2nds were short of players and therefore unable to fulfil their fixture against Weston-super-Mare 4ths, but the two sides arranged a friendly.

The 2nds, who are fifth in Somerset 2 South, travel to second-bottom Martock on Saturday.

On Friday night, Burnham RFC are hosting a race night to raise funds for the club.

Tickets are £5 and children go free - the event begins at 7.30pm.