Burnham 2nd’s traveled to Bridgwater Albion to face the current league leaders on Saturday. This was a much-anticipated fixture due to all sets even in two previous encounters this season one in the league and a set up friendly.
The league encounter at home had been a close run game and although Burnham had a less than full side there was an impressive line   up to choose from. The seconds had lost a number of players to the first XV but had been compensated by a number of firsts in key positions. It was a cold afternoon but underfoot the ground was good for flowing rugby, this would suit both teams.

The official got the game underway and it was clear to see that both sides were evenly matched in the early stages it was apparent that Bridgwater were the better-organised side as they were able to muster more reactively to Burnham’s attempts to control procession and organise attack.  Bridgwater were reliant on their forward domination linked into setting their fast backs running. In the early stages the game flowed in the midfield area with honours being shared evenly, the first break went to Bridgwater who broke away and scored in the corner, failing to convert; Burnham 5 nil down.

Burnham rallied to this set back and drove hard at Bridgewater who were at ends to contain the forward power and penetrating runs of Russ Pike and Matt love, also worth a mention was Jack Seely who was creating space with his   forward running. Burnham was pressing hard and forcing the opposition into making mistakes. Domination in the scrum by a steady platform of Slater and Hicks with positive hooking from Ashley enabled Burnham to camp in Bridgwater’s 22.

Against the run of play and due to over commitment in the attack Bridgwater broke out, it was reminisant of the classic movie The Great Escape and they crossed the line, Try 2 unconverted. Not to be put out Burnham resumed where they had left off and after domination at the line outs due to Tinys safe hands and quick presentation by Scrum Half Peters Burnham had Bridgewater pinned back in their 22. The ball was recycled a number of times from the formed rucks due to some very skillful turnovers and fed out to the backs Jack Seely ended up with ball and ran home a fine try through a Bridgewater defence that was relieved that this phase of pressure was over. Burnham failed to convert. It was not due to the lack of effort in any way that Burnham found themselves on the back foot too many balls were being lost to turnovers that we should have retained as our possession this would have had a marked impact on the game from Burnham’s prospective.

The game ebbed and flowed with some fine individual play from Ryan at full back and Podge at 8 the Burnham Flankers worked overtime to get to the point of contact and were successful on many occasions of turnovers and thwarting Bridgwater’s organization.

Replacements were made on both sides and the game went into the final phases.

Burnham are to be congratulated for a steely determined performance the score line had racked up, yet the effort did not falter, this shows true character and grit. The game was played in the true spirit of rugby and enjoyed by players and spectators alike.

Final Score B/ Albion 52 Burnham 5.

Next game is at home against North Petherton. Training for the 2nds Thursday.