Match Report Burnham 2s 3 V Wiviliscombe. 48
11 Oct 14
“Lack of Firepower dampens Burnham”
Burnham travelled in to the heartland of Somerset to engage with Wivi RFC. In Past encounters these deep patrols have been favourable to the Burnham following albeit it has not all been one sided as the home side have always proved worthy opposition.
Unfortunately Burnham who are on a playing high; jeopardised the early season successes by barley fielding a squad.
A very positive pre match build up was conducted which raised the spirits of the Burnham side as they resolved themselves to an afternoon of hard work, as Wivi formed up it was obvious that they had amassed a formidable force as the Burnham squad took stock of their situation it was almost akin to what the 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC must have felt like; as they viewed the Persian Army.
The game got under way and in the early exchanges it was Burnham who displayed the most promise with better composed moves and with ability to avoid minor infringements that was disparaging the home side. Sound tackling combined with intelligent positioning and no over commitment was paying off for Burnham as the game flowed in the Home sides half. A near miss came when Wills Conway and Mason Shaw connected but was broken down in the Wivi 22,
It was the home side that broke the deadlock with what was to be their strong point by breaking out from a Burnham attack; with so many players playing out of position Burnham were at odds to contain such moves.
Never the less Burnham retained the effort and continually challenged a stronger growing Wivi side; Matt Mitchell was adeptly organising the two division to get the best service and it showed as good carries from Koz; Sam Viggers; Will Conway; Mason Shaw; and Tim James; exposed weakness in the Wivi defence; in the scrum Burnham held very well; not conceding ground at all, this surprised Wiviliscombe as they anticipated that they would have dominance in this area.
Regular ball was recycled from the Scrum and the dominance in the air of J Osgood; and Chris Jones. was commendable.
As was the case in other games where numbers are so important; injury hit in and the scrums became uncontested in fact Burnham ended with two loan players from the home side.
It was an afternoon of attrition that was sustained by the Burnham Blues; of which all players are to be congratulated on the commitment and effort that was put on display; it was a true gutsy performance; well done,
After Match Analysis; this league is winnable by Burnham; it is the art of the possible that is required; the credibility is their; but “boots on the ground” is what is required this is brought about by attitude and commitment. All playing members of the 2s squad must make the effort to be available to play on Saturday.
The week 18 Oct sees us at home to high scoring Hornets, Matt Mitchell has already put out the calling notice ensure you respond; and get organised for Saturday.