Burnham 2s 7 Minehead 41
“Burnham get caught in Mineheads Mine field” 

The Burnham 2s travelled the long road to Minehead on Saturday with a squad depleted by injury and other commitments. It was with considerable apprehension that this game was viewed the squad were missing some key players in prominent positions who are relied upon to provide the cohesive platform that is key to enable the team to play to their full potential.
As was anticipated Minehead had fielded a strong squad who were looking for a forwards battle, linked to this the elements were challenging for both sides.
The official got the game started; Burnham had chosen to give the terrain and weather advantage to Minehead. The game started off on an even keel, Burnham were holding the scrums well despite giving away a considerable weight disadvantage, during the  work up; the line out drill had gelled well; and continued during the game with Joe Osgood and Tom Stevens dominating the Arial warfare. Both sides were demonstrating cohesive play moves between backs and forwards in the early exchanges it was Burnham who were the most threatening with good backs moves orchestrated between Will Conway and Lloyd Stewart these flurries created some excellent scoring chances making Minehead activate some stalwart defending, the play was very much on the ebb and flow and at the other end Burnham had much the same with some valiant defending being demonstrated. Minehead were predictable looking for a big runner coming in at pace to break into the Burnham defence, throughout the early encounters in the first half these were unsuccessful. It was from an infringement that Burnham let it slip with a kickable penalty which was taken by the home side. This brought about a period of dormancy by Burnham which was capitalised on by the home side; who ran in two tries in quick succession. This rocked Burnham into action and spurned on by Capt. Matt slater and Tiny Rees mounted a series of counter attacks resulting in quick platforms from the forwards with quick thinking from Alex Watkins the backs were able to put the home side under considerable pressure to defend their line, unfortunately these attacks failed before the line was crossed. 
With the end of the first half called; the brief was to up the tempo of the game; use the advantage of the elements to get the ball deep into the Minehead half and play out from a position of territorial advantage. The half started as ordered with good  carries from Mark O Regan and Will Grant coming  from deep; on the wings Elliot Donnelly and Nathan Smith were working hard following up and running down the long ball, again despite getting the basics right the points were eluding Burnham; meanwhile the home side were able to  bring on fresh legs which had an effect on the game, and yet Burnham continued to mount frequent assaults onto the home side line, it was after a considerable period of  pressure with the forwards camped on Mine head’s line that Alex Watkins was able to break in with  a fine try, converted by Will  Conway.
Minehead were with the aid of the new substitutes able to exploit the gaps in the visitors defence brought about by the persistent attacking; and increased their lead considerably.
It was very much the story of the half. With the game drawing to a close the sole replacement was deployed in the form of Ash Morris.  Tiny Rees who had carried an injury for most of the game retired to the line.
The side had played some good rugby; line outs and scrummage were worthy of mentioning; but alas Burnham never got the breaks the disappointment was felt by all.
It is now vital that we turn this period of indolence about and get back to winning ways something that we are well capable of.
Team; Matt Slater; Matt Glanville; Ed Lewis; Mike Smith; Tiny Rees; Tom Stevens; Jo Osgood; Chris  Jones; Alex Watkins; Will Conway; Lloyd Stewart; Mark O Regan; Nathan Smith; Elliot Donnelly; Will Grant; Ash Morris.
The 2 s are at home on Saturday 09 Nov; availability is required, please let Tiny know before Thursday.