RUGBY: Burnham-on-Sea find form in second half to beat Old Redcliffians

A MUCH-IMPROVED second-half display saw Burnham-on-Sea run out comfortable winners over Old Redcliffians 2nds on Saturday.

Burnham were slow to get going and the visitors were first on the board, running in a try down the wing, although the conversion was missed.

From the restart, the hosts won a scrum, and the forwards laid the groundwork for Sam Lewis to find Will Hopkins, who danced his way through the visiting backline to level the scores.

Tim Piper then slotted over a penalty to hand the home side an 8-5 lead at the end of a cagey first 40 minutes.

The home side brought on the two Walls, Sam and Tom, who made an instant impact and helped hand Burnham momentum in attack.

They were rewarded with a second try through Dan Berry, who gathered the ball from the base of a ruck after Piper was tackled just short of the line, and found a gap to score.

Hopkins then added another to his personal tally after some simple, direct rugby from the Stags; Piper converted to establish a 20-5 advantage.

Piper then secured the bonus point for his side with a late try which he humself converted, before Old Reds scored the final points of the day with a late consolation try.

Man of the match: Sam Wall

On Saturday, Burnham make the short trip up the A38 to face Yatton (2.30pm).

The Stags are currently eighth in the Somerset Premier standings, but they are only two points behind Yatton, who are in fifth place on 23 points.

Burnham captain Ross McKechan said: “The first half was frustrating; nothing clicked for us.

“We were much better in the second half and controlled the game.

“We defended really well and to come away with a bonus-point win having not played at our best is satisfying.

“We have welcomed quite a few new players who are now starting to really settle in, and I must mention the substitutes, who made a really big impact when they came on.

“We are expecting a touch test at Yatton on Saturday but if we can replicate our second-half performance I’m confident we can pick up a result.”

Pictured in squad photo above are: back row (left to right) - Len Cameron (team manager), Glenn Cutter (physio), Stefan Pierce, Jim Havercroft, Tom Stevens, Tom Wall, Royston Grimstead, Josh Holder, Alex Watkins, Birkan Gunduz, Ryan Rossiter, Dan Berry, Lee Berry (team manager); front row - Will Hopkins, Sam Wall, Adam Peters, Tim Piper (assistant coach/vice-chairman), Ross McKechan (captain), Kev Innalls (head coach), Sam Lewis (vice-captain), Ryan Beard, Jude Donnelly.