Regional 2 Tribute South West: North Petherton 17-10 Burnham-on-Sea

BURNHAM-on-Sea RFC lost a very close battle at the weekend against local rivals North Petherton RFC.

It was an improved performance for the Stags but ultimately they lost 17-10 on the road.

Leading up to the match, the Burnham players went through two intense and very physical training sessions to get rid of the last couple of results and ready for what will the North Petherton encounter.

The squad were hoping they could repay the ever faithful travelling supporters with a positive result and whilst they didn't, they put in a much improved performance with many positives to take from it.

In the match, Burnham took an early lead after they had strong passages of play in the opening exchanges. 

At 0-7 Burnham looked to push on and continue the momentum they had however Pethy broke through to score a try to stop that from happening and the score was 5-7.

That was the score at half time as there was no more scores before the break and it was clear both sides were fighting hard to win the derby match.

North Petherton started the second half the better side and crossed for a converted try early on and took the lead for the first time in the match, 12-7.

And the hosts rammed home their advantage halfway through the second period with a second unconverted try to take the score to 17-7.

Scott Havercroft converted a penalty for Burnham to take the score to 17-10 and back within one score difference.

However the hosts were resolute in defence and held Burnham at bay to hold on to the win.

Elsewhere, back at the BASC Ground, Burnham-on-Sea Seconds took on Hornets RFC in another local derby.

Unfortunately for Burnham, the Hornets were far too good and won the match 5-70 in front of a big home crowd for the Stags.

The visitors were able to run in try after try and built up an unassailable 0-46 lead.

But in typical Burnham fashion they weren't rolling over easy and managed to pull a try back through Robin McCord after a solid attacking play.

But the Hornets picked up another 24 points to wrap up a big away win for them.

All in all a tough weekend for both Burnham sides, with the first team still on the bottom of the Regional 2 Tribute South West league table.

The first team are back in action on Saturday, February 3 at home when they host Sidmouth RFC at the BASC Ground.