Somerset Premier Division
St Bernadettes Old Boys 10, Burnham-on-Sea 26

BURNHAM-ON-SEA head into 2019 in second place in the Somerset Premier table, after a comeback victory at St Bernadettes Old Boys on Saturday.

The Stags travelled with only 16 players, but delivered another fine performance in a campaign which most expected to be one of consolidation after last season’s relegation.

The first half had little to write home about, though, as the visitors struggled in icy winds and relentless rain.

St Bernadettes took full advantage, carrying a 10-0 lead into half time.

But after some strong words from head coach Kevin Innalls, Burnham flew out of the traps in the second half, winning a scrum 15 metres out and Tim Piper driving over for an unconverted try.

A long kick downfield from Piper led to a turnover and rolling maul, which ended with Stefan Pierce going over, Piper adding the extras to put his side 12-10 up.

The forwards continued to make hay, turning the ball over at the scrum and Nick McKen crossing the line, Piper again converting.

The bonus-point try came from another big clearance kick from Piper, as skipper Ross McKechan chased it down, kicked it past the covering defence and went over for try number four.

Piper added the conversion in impressive fashion, given the difficult conditions, to seal a 26-10 victory for the Stags.

Man of the match: Tim Piper

The result sees Burnham inch ahead of Avon for second place in the standings – both they and Nailsea & Backwell have 44 points, 13 adrift of runaway leaders Wiveliscombe; Avon have 41, with a game in hand.

Burnham can now enjoy a well-earned Christmas break, returning to action on Saturday, January 5, at home to sixth-placed Minehead Barbarians.

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Somerset 2 South
Burnham-on-Sea 2nds 7, Winscombe 2nds 31

BURNHAM’S 2nd XV ended the year with defeat at home to title contenders Winscombe 2nds.

It was a scrappy encounter from the off, but Winscombe bossed possession and were soon 12-0 up.

Another converted try for the visitors made it 19-0 at half time, but Burnham stepped up the pressure after the break and were awarded a penalty try.

There was some good rugby from the hosts in tough conditions, but they could not find a second breakthrough, and two tries in the final 20 minutes gave Winscombe a 31-7 win.

Burnham go to Taunton 3rds next, on January 5.