Somerset Premier
Nailsea & Backwell 24, Burnham-on-Sea 25

BURNHAM triumphed by a point away to Nailsea & Backwell on Saturday, and in doing so pulled themselves within five points of their second-placed opponents.

Injuries had robbed the Stags of several regulars, but Henry Bigwood and David Harris made welcome returns.

The visitors fell behind early on, Nailsea going over in the corner for an unconverted try, but the response was rapid – Sam Lewis coming off the back of a driving maul and stretching over the line, Tim Piper converting.

But the home side had the slope and wind in their favour, and dominated the next 20 minutes, scoring two tries to lead 17-7.

Still the Stags continued to play good rugby with ball in hand, and a well-worked move ended with Ash Cutter going over out wide, and with Piper adding a penalty it was 17-15 at half-time.

The momentum was with Burnham now and Cutter went over for his second after the break, Piper adding the extras to make it 22-17.

Nailsea indiscipline handed the away side another three points, to lead 25-17 with 10 minutes to go.

The hosts showed why they are second in the table by constructing a fine move and a converted try, but Burnham’s defensive line held firm in the final few minutes to secure the away victory.

Man of the match: Henry Bigwood & Dave Harris

Burnham captain Ross McKechan said: “It was a brilliant game to be involved in.

“We only went with 17 players and had a lot of young lads, but everyone’s work rate was so high.

“It was a physical game and quite scrappy for large parts.

“To come back from 17-7 down against a strong side was very pleasing. We scored a couple of well-worked tries and our defence was unreal at times in the second half.

“There were great scenes at the end and I think we deserved the win.

“It shows again that we have nothing to fear in this league – that is the end of the table we should be aiming for.

“It’s important now that we back it up with another win this weekend.”

This coming Saturday sees the Stags take on Hornets 2nds at The Pit (ko 2.30pm).

Burnham are currently sixth in the Somerset Premier standings, with Hornets 10th.