The Stags lacked the spark but came out on top after Newton Abbot took the game to wire.

This was the first time the two clubs had met in a league encounter and credit to newton Abbot as they kept pressure on The Stags under the dying minutes of the game.

Outside centre, Ryan Beard struck first scoring The Stags first try after 5 minutes to take the lead 5-0.

It was only 5 minutes later that Newton Abbot had the home team pinned in there 22 area. They had the overlap out wide and the winger scored and the try was converted for the visitors to take the lead. 5-7.

With the Stags lacking some energy around the park, Newton’s back line looked sharp. Having spotted the gaps, they were off, racing into the opponents half but a last ditch tackle on the 5m line wasn’t enough as the Newton attacker was supported and offloaded the ball for his team mate to score under the posts and extend there lead. 5-14 after 20 minutes.

The Stags began to wake from the dead to pile the pressure on Newton deep in there 22 area but the ball was turned over on the try line after several phases of pick and go.  As the ball was on the try line, a quick witted scrum half, called Sam Lewis, and also our club captain, pounced on the ball and the try was given as there is no offside line when the ball is on the try line much to Newtons dismay. 10-14

Newton we awarded a penalty soon after for hand in the ruck. 10-17.

With half time looming, The Stags needed something. Applying the pressure on Newton they found themselves back in Newtons 22. A penalty against Newton for an  infringement at the breakdown was given, Lewis took a quick tap and was off but only to be brought down short of the try line but support from loose head Stef Peirce was at hand who crashed over to score. Tim Piper slotted the conversion just before half time. 17-17.

Energy drinks and sachets of some substances (not class A,B or C drugs I will add) were had at the interval to give The Stags the energy they needed……………… and they worked!

Substitute Chris Warner, bagged his third try in successive games after a powerful run from the base of ruck and stretched for the line to score in the 60 th minute. Up stepped Toby Fear to take the conversion for The Stags regain the lead 24-17.

Newtons back line were at it again and by stretching The Stags defence they returned the favour by scoring out wide 10 minutes later. 24-22 with 8 minutes to go.

The character shown by the home team really shows how far this team have come in the last 2 season as they knew what to do and what was needed to win.

A scrum was awarded to The Stags in Newton’s 22 area. Piper was in a 9 to put the ball in. The Stags scrum was perfect all game and Piper using his experience, drew the attacker and flicked the ball out on the blind side for stand in wingder Andrew Aldred to score in the corner for a none converted try. 29-22.

With 3 minutes left on the clock, Newton had the upper hand from the restart as The Stags kicked away possession. The clock was ticking and all pressure was on The Stags as Newton had the ball but some valiant defending and a mistake by Newton closed the game out.

Final Score 29-22.

The win takes Burnham up to second place in the table.

Man of the match was Toby Fear.

Next Week they travel to Paignton KO will be at 2.30pm due to the clocks changing over the weekend.