Somerset Premier

Burnham-on-Sea 33, Imperial 12

BURNHAM-ON-SEA claimed a fine victory on a memorable day for the club, writes Lee Berry.

Saturday was the annual Sponsors Day & Old Boys’ Reunion as well as the stand naming presentation to club president Mike O’Farrell - after which came 80 minutes of entertaining rugby played against Imperial RFC.

The Stags went into this match looking to avenge the defeat by Imperial earlier in the season, especially in front of a large crowd.

Burnham’s captain for the day Tim Piper, slotted a penalty to give the hosts an early lead before Ryan Beard forced his way through for the opening try which Piper converted.

Yellow cards were traded (2-1 in favour of the visitors) and the Stags made their man advantage count when Piper added another penalty followed by a try after outpacing the Imperial winger.

The game stopped after 20 minutes due to another Imp’s injury and the tide changed for the Stags.

Once the injured player was taken off the field Imp’s went on the attack and scored 12 unanswered points just before half time with two tries, one being converted.

The minor blip jolted Burnham back into action as they began to play some attractive rugby.

From a catch and drive at the lineout, Sam Lewis dummied, spotted a gap and skipped over to dot the ball down over the line and make the score 23-12.

Some quality phases were produced by the Stags and Stef Pierce hit the line at speed, forcing his way over to score the fourth try and secure the bonus point.

Will Hopkins had the final word by sprinting over the line to score.

Burnham’s next league game is away to Weston 2nd XV on Friday, March 22.

Burnham’s Ross McKechan said: “We wanted to give a good account of ourselves in front of the sponsors and ex-players.

“As the second half progressed, it was clear that our fitness outdid theirs and we left them behind.

“They had no answer for the intensity and we pulled away from them comfortably in the end.

“There is plenty for us to work on before our next challenge but it was another solid performance and a massive five points to keep us second for another week.

“It was a great day for the club and big thanks must go to Holly Piper, Tania Donnelly, all bar staff, kitchen helpers and the committee, who helped organise and run the event.”