Burnham 2nd 27 Wyvern 0 17 Nov 12
“Gibby’s Flair Extinguishes Wyvern Dragon”.

Burnham seconds travelled to Wyvern in Taunton on Sat 17 Nov. This was amid an administrative upheaval due to the first teams pitch unavailability the sudden switch to a new venue; and player availability in the first that had a direct knock on to the second team. The seconds had suffered too under the circumstances, with players injured, not available or called up to the first team.

The skipper Matt Slater had been called up for the first team; it left Lee Berry with the responsibility of leadership for this game. A mixed squad was available all had featured in the  seconds but in other than positions that they formed up to  face the  Wyvern Dragon which had been spouting flames about this game on their social network pages.

The pitch was not in great condition due to  the  near Monsoon rain that had befell the region the night before; this was looked upon to  favour the Wyvern Squad with the heavier pack in contrast to  the Burnham squad that were looking to display some running rugby.

As the official got the game under way it was obvious that this was to a game that would be slogged out with the victors being the side with the most fitness; determination; and focus to win. It was clear that Wyvern fancied a slow Pack confrontation this  was obvious with the  average waistline displayed by the  Wyvern Forwards they  were also keen  to impress the  home support with a show of force. In the early stages this is how the game went; with Burnham playing uphill the task was daunting to say the least.

Nevertheless Burnham dug in, and resisted any pressure by the home side to get into their game stride; it was clear that although the Wyvern pack could produce a working platform to their backs they were brought down very quickly by Burnham’s back line marauders in the form of Chris Lee; Ben Gibb, Ozi; Ryan Reynolds. It was clear to see that the Burnham’s backs were the dominant force on the field of play.

The forwards by this time had settled with Glen Ash and Phil in the front row they had settled the Wyvern early enthusiasm and were settling down to dominate, Ash was taking good ball against the head and flankers Mac McKee Tom Stevens and Lloyd at number eight were thwarting Wyverns passage of play, it was from such a move the James Oz broke out up the wing with Will Grant in support that nearly crossed the line. This camped Burnham in the Wyvern 22 which followed by a penalty infringement which saw a yellow award to the home side gave Ben Gibb the first shot at points which was eagerly taken Burnham 3 up.

Wyvern retaliated like a wounded beast and drove hard into the Burnham line; in their enthusiasm they forgot about the Law book or the fact that an official was in charge and they picked up another yellow. This enabled Burnham to  establish good tactical positioning and  Lee berry at no 9 unleashed Chris lee who saw off two Wyvern centres before passing to Ben Gibb who crashed over for the  first try, this was converted into  the  first  half Burnham 10-0 up.

With the ground in Burnham’s favour the brief was move the play downhill hit hard and support. This is exactly what happened; Lloyd had been replaced by Horse he  had contributed immensely even when injured he  had  held  his  position in an exemplary manner Dan had replaced Ginge Sommerhay in the  second row who moved to  his more comfortable hunting ground in the backs with Will taking up the full back slot. It was clear that the Wyvern Dragon was tiring; Tom Stevens was ruling supreme in the air although at times under pressure the pack was playing like Trojans this was providing a good platform by which to launch attack after attack at a defensive Wyvern. Lee Berry was dominant in drilling the opposition and when an  opening appeared in front of Gibby it was job done as he punched through to score;  this was repeated a further three times, all tries converted bar one.

As the game drew to  a close it was Wyvern who launched their final effort and pinned a valiant Burnham pack onto the five meter line, it was from this defensive position that Gibby broke out and  scored a fine individual try; the final try of the  game and secured Burnham’s bonus point; job done; a good  afternoons work. One stuffed Dragon silenced.

This was a very rewarding result for Burnham coming in on the back of a disappointment last week. The commitment, resolve and sheer willingness to adapt and overcome was commendable. A great team effort.
A much looked forward to game is on offer at Home for Sat 24 Nov against Bridgewater.  Let Matt Slater know of your availability and if possible make training on Thursday evening.