Match Report Burnham 2XV 12 – Somerton 20 23Nov 13“Burnham swoon; Somerton Steal”

Burnham 2s travelled the short Distance to Somerton on Saturday to engage with the league new comers. Somerton had been playing their rugby in Somerset 1 last season it was therefore a much looked forward to game to gauge how the Burnham unit would fare against this opposition.
It was a splendid afternoon for rugby with an autumn sun setting on the playing area; skipper Matt Slater had a good muster of experience and youth on the start line; the 2s technical advisor of rugby (Tiny Reese) was also starting in the second row.
A constructive pre match session was achieved and with suitable last minute scenarios and instructions; the official got the contest underway.
Burnham had some players playing out of position namely Lloyd Stewart was filling a backs slot and Sam Wells was deputising as no 9, as the game proceeded it was apparent that both  sides were equally matched this was obvious as the game moved around the midfield zone. It was Burnham who made the first break in to the home sides territory from a Home side line out Joe Osgood stole the ball; delivered it into the hands of Sam Wells who fed the backs commanded by Ben Gibb who recycled the ball down the line of hands to Nathan Smith on the wing who was brought down in the 22 area, the ball was hassled out of play into touch.
It was then the turn of the home side who provided a similar move to penetrate into Burnham’s under belly; a gap had been found which was quickly shored up  by Elliot Donnelly supported by the full back and Henry Bigwood; with the cavalry in the form of the  forwards turning in to stabilise the threat. In the ensuing contact play Somerton began to make head way, again it was Burnham’s defence that held, unfortunately an infringement was committed that gave the home side a kickable penalty which was gratefully accepted and successfully converted, Burnham three nil down.
Burnham immediately went on the offensive from the kick off and were very soon in a command able position in the home side half, it was apparent that the Burnham pack  commanded in the  air with Osgood collect ball in the air  with  the ease of an apple picker in an orchard, and the scrum was showing true metal on the one on one put ins; winning own ball and stealing against the head when the  opportunity arose, despite this and the fact  that Burnham were setting up and engineering attacking moves one resulting in the ball being held up on the  try line the final act of crossing the line and scoring thwarted them.
Somerton were not to be taken for granted they were dangerous in the 9/10/11/ positions and given the opportunity could move the ball into potentially dangerous situations, it was a situation as described that enabled the home side to do just that; resulting in the inside centre crossing the line from a sizzling break out run which saw him cross the line close to the uprights. Try and conversion. 
This smarted Burnham into action it was very invigorating to see how Burnham reacted to this adversity in contrast to previous weeks it was business as usual as they applied themselves ‘to getting on with job’ in retaliation to their current situation. Using the power of the forwards an intensive drive was focused on the left side of the playing area brought about by a won line, followed by a series of well execute rucks worked well by Tom Steven with Sam Wells in command; the ball broke out to the hands of Sam Weeks supported by Chris Jones, collected by Ben Gibb passing through Henry Bigwood to find Elliot Donnelly who finished of a fine passage of play. Unfortunately Ben Gibb did not get the conversion.  Half time loomed the score Somerton 10 Burnham 5.
With the start of the second session changes were made Tiny came off; Lloyd moved into the pack with Sam Weekes and Dan Spellman came on in the centre, Dan provided much needed penetration and was soon creating havoc with Henry Bigwood acting as his wingman, Fitness was beginning to show never the less Somerton were very much in the game.
The game was now flowing in Burnham’s favour as the home side were pinned into their own half the attrition that was exerted on the host was showing despite the danger of a counter attack Burnham pressed home, and were eventually rewarded with a try by Dan Spellman who collected after a series of rucks and mauls incorporating backs and forwards to score under the post try by Dan and converted. This put Burnham into the lead 12-10.
Burnham composed themselves to lift and exert themselves to capitalise on the situation, alas they swooned in the euphoria of the moment allowing Somerton back into the game, winning a penalty on a controversial decision allowing the lead to change against the visitors, further mishap occurred when in the dying minutes the home side broke out against the run of play to score in the final moments of the game.
Burnham had certainly stepped up since the last outing of the unit, and every man deserved to leave the field with their heads held high, Somerton realised just how fortunate they had been, as was displayed in their relief at the final whistle.
Special mention is merited to Sam Wells for a sterling performance as Scrum half, the wings Elliot Donnelly and Nathan Smith, returned sterling performances, Ben Gibb was sound and exploiting, Henry Bigwood was explosive, the pack were impressive as a Dynamic unit, in the air and on the  ground.
The obvious alluded the side once again, but on this performance and providing we can keep our nerve what we are deserving of will come.
Training for those who can make it is a must, next Sat 30 Nov. Home game against Taunton 3rds.
All club members are to take note that any unpaid club membership is now overdue and must be settled soonest/ by Sat 30 Nov if not before. Membership forms can be down loaded from the Club web site and/or some forms are behind the  BASC bar.