Somerset Premier
Oldfield Old Boys 41, Burnham-on-Sea 14

FOUR late tries consigned Burnham-on-Sea to a heavy defeat in their Somerset Premier opener at Oldfield Old Boys on Saturday.

Relegated from Western Counties West last season, Burnham started well in Bath and took a 14-13 lead into the break courtesy of tries from fly-half Tim Piper and second row Royston Grimstead, both converted by Piper.

A yellow card in the second half saw Burnham battle hard to stay in the game, but those exertions caught up with them in the closing stages and the home side ran in four tries in the final 15 minutes to give the scoreline a slightly unfair slant.

Burnham will look to bounce back at home to St Bernadettes Old Boys on Saturday, though they will be without full-back Tom Chaffey due to a dislocated shoulder sustained in the first minute at Oldfield.

Captain Ross McKechan said: “I’m pleased with how we played for 65 minutes of the match.

“We battled really well, especially when we were down a player for 10 minutes, and did well to contain a strong side for large periods.

“There are plenty of positives to take from it and our debutants [Burnham included four new signings] acquitted themselves well.”

Burnham-on-Sea 2nds begin their Somerset 2 South campaign at Wiveliscombe 2nds on Saturday.