Match Report Burnham 2s V Taunton 111 25Oct Oct 14
Burnham 2s 19 Hornets 51.
“Burnham flounders due to abysmal turnout”
Burnham made the short trip to Taunton to play league lowly Taunton; this should have been a game of business as usual based on the very  credible all round rugby performance of last week against Hornets; this euphoria soon turned to  despair as the ever decreasing squad list collapsed with 13 players available at the form up time. I was debated whether it was worth travelling to compete. Good sportsman sense won the day and rather than capitulate the band of brothers travelled to Taunton.
Damage limitation was the priority as attempts to recruit players was made right up to and during the team build up, the build-up was focused on getting a coherent platform to play from; Burnham had a nucleus of the playing squad but lacked cohesive composure.
The referee agreed that loaned players would be used and both sides would start off with at least a fair mix; as it was; the game got under way.
From the start it was apparent that Burnham had to work hard, Taunton sensed that Burnham were on the  back  foot and began to  capitalise on this fact; also exploitation of our player deficiencies was showing; it was not long before the home side began to gel and crossed the visitors line for a brace of tries.
The Burnham squad were not taking this laying down and were putting together counterattacks  these were positive and well-constructed showing the weakness in the  Taunton side, it was purely lack of cohesion that  was the  fault; the commitment and effort was not in question.
Taunton continued to exploit Burnham’s weakness; and the score racked up; add to this injury to Matt Mitchell saw another Taunton player pull on a Burnham top; by this stage we were all at sea; Ed Lewis took over the reins as no 9. Will Astill had answered the rally call and made the effort to get to the game and appeared in the second half; he created an immediate link with Wills Conway and Massie Shaw to form a good partnership in the centre that produced three tries two for Will and one for Astill this demonstrated to the opposition that we may have been listing in the water but the guns were still firing.
In the closing stages a number of very near misses in an effort to clinch a bonus point was closely missed.
All players who turned out are to  be applauded; Slater; Cutter worked tirelessly; Reese; Coggins grafted continuously; Lewis was ever present; Mitchell put his body on the line; the backs were consistent and never gave up in their efforts to make something out of what they had, well led by Conway inspired by Shaw; Astill; Chaffey.
Sadly despite the effort it was not enough. 
Analysis;
This game was for the taking and would have been a result for Burnham had the support been there. 22/23 players were carded for this game 13 turned out, pretty abysmal.
 We must support the people who are working on our behalf week in week out organise the squads for the weekends; it is very irresponsible not to be responsive and make the effort; a to get to the game; or b. inform those organising in plenty of time of your unavailability.
The off the cuff organisation worked out in the short space of time which produced the effort was outstanding, a credit to all who pulled on the jersey.
The disciple as very good testament to the three Taunton players sent to the bin and their discipline lapses.
This game is now in the past but we must take away the lessons from it; which is commitment and responsibility.
At Home on Sat to Minehead; we must get back on track; The calling notice is out; early response is required.
Make the effort; be their.