On a narrow but perfect pitch Burnham conceded an early penalty which led to 2 no back-to-back Bristolians lineouts putting Burnham under huge pressure but they managed to hold out and clear their lines.
The 1st half scrummaging was a problem for Burnham as Bristolians’ pack was very strong. However, on 19 mins Bristolians had a lineout on the halfway line, fed their backs and after 2no missed tackles by Burnham they got their first try in the corner. The conversion was missed, 5 – 0.
Despite Bristolians having quick backs and strong forwards Burnham hit back in the 22nd min with a try from Danny Spelman and Beau Dickins converted, 5 – 7. But the lead was short lived as in the 25th min Burnham post possession of the ball in the middle and with quick ball by Bristolians out wide they scored their 2nd try in the same corner as before. This time the conversion was successful, 12 – 7.
After 30 mins Burnham lost Jake Fereday with a knee injury, Matt Fear went into the front row with Ed Lewis going into the 2nd row. These changes seemed to improve the quality of Burnham’s scrum work.
Bristolians were a well drilled and organised team and after 33 mins a kick by their fly half out wide was gathered by their winger inside the 22 metre line who then cut inside and raced through to score under the posts. The conversion was successful, 19 – 7.
With 2 mins to go a mistake in the dead ball area by Burnham gave Bristolians a 5yd penalty resulting in a quick ‘tap and go’ and Bristolians were able to force their way over the line to score their fourth try. The conversion was missed, 24 – 7.
Burnham had the last say of the half when Bristolians infringed 25yds out and Beau Dickens put the resultant penalty kick between the posts, 24 – 10 half time.
The 2nd half started with Jake Harding at full back and Sam Lewis at scrum half and straight away Burnham started to show much more resilience and pleasingly Burnham’s scrum started to dominate Bristolians.
After 60 mins at a Burnham lineout Bristolians interfered with the jumper. From the penalty Burnham kicked into touch. Henry Bigwood won the lineout fed Jordan Witikiria who broke away from the defence, passed out to Mason Shaw and he fed Spelman who went over for his 2nd try. The conversion was successful, 24 – 17.
3 mins later young Chris Marsh replaced Ashley Tucker and at this point Burnham were in control. Wikiteria was finding much more space and continued to break the Bristolians defensive line.
On 50 mins Burnham had the put-in at the scrum only 5yds from the Bristolians line but lost possession again – so close. And despite their domination the Burnham lads could not find another score. Then in the 75th min against the run of play the Bristolians winger evaded 3 Burnham tackles to score try no 5. The conversion was missed, 29 – 17.
Burnham tried hard to hit back quickly but just ran out of time.

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