Burnham came through in a match that they were probably expected to struggle with Stroud 3rd in the league. However Burnham thought otherwise and with a resolute and determined defence and at times an awesome display of power and pace, they won the day. ln fact a quote from the Stroud hierarchy was”your defence for the most part won you the game”. At last Burnham put into practice, what they practiced on the training ground. Burnham started well and with, at times, a fierce cross wind they claimed the first score after 15 minutes. they won their own scrum,picked up by Wikitera who drew the immediate defender and then adroitly slipped the ball to Beau Dickens to hand off one opponent and evade the next before crossin the line. 5-0. Try as they might,Stroud couldn’t break down Burnham’s line and after stealing the ball,Dickens whipped it out to Muskett, whose carefully placed kick, enabled Jordan Paul to chase it down, hack it on and then win the race to ground the ball. Dickens converted. 5 minutes later, after a period of concerted pressure, Stroud at last managed to penetrate Burnham’s line.12-5. Halftime. Burnham’s team talk at halftime from both skipper and coach obviously re-energised Burnham who immediately tore into the opposition with a will, producing the opportunity for Muskett to penetrate the defence with a tantalising grubber kick, giving Jack Pope the chance to show off his speed of foot and touch down.17-5. Ten minutes later, Burnham won their own scrum and even though they were going backwards, Wikitera picked up, set off like the charging “rhino” that he is, raced up the middle of the park, drew the fullback and then slipped the ball on to a marauding Jordan Paul to claim his second try of the game and a bonus try for Burnham.22-5. Stroud managed to come back and record a try but Burnham held out to post a well earned victory. Final score 22-10. Well Done Burnham. Mentioned in despatches, the front five, especially Spanish Jaime, the back row row of Stacey, Spelman and Wikitera who stifled any chance of Stroud setting upany gainline advantages. The Kiwi pairing at halfback, whose defensive work in the tacklind department were second to none, Shaw for his redoubtable strength including a handoff that his opposite number will remember for a long time and finally the runners, who showed that given the ball they can cause mayhem, but were also up for the workload when they needed to defend.A stellar team performance. Burnham are away this coming Saturday to Chosen Hill Former Pupils. Finally the supporters lunch will be on April 16th, 1pm for 1-30pm.Please let Chris Jones know.