Western Counties North

Burnham 43, Chosen Hill Former Pupils 26

BURNHAM have surged clear of the Western Counties North relegation zone following a scintillating bonus-point victory over Chosen Hill on Saturday.

The hosts ran in six tries, courtesy of Ben Gibb (2), Richard Muskett (2), Jordan Paul and Tim Piper, to go three points clear of the drop zone with two games to play.

Right from the start Burnham showed their intentions, with Jordan Paul ghosting through in the outside centre position to cross the line.

Shotrly afterwards, Chosen Hill showed why they are in the top half with a well organised rolling maul and scored out wide.

20 minutes later they produced a carbon copy of their first try to move ahead, but Burnham fought back and on the stroke of half-time.

Following a good scrum, Dickens whipped the ball out to Piper who timed a sweetly executed reverse pass to Richard Muskett to score close to the posts - Piper converted.

In the second-half, Burnham were awarded a penalty enabling Piper, with the wind behind, to move Burnham ahead,15-14.

Chosen Hill then scored their third try with another rolling maul – but straight from the kick-off, Burnham harried the visitors into a poor clearing kick, claimed the lineout and freed up Ben Gibb to power through - Piper again converted.

Burnham now had the bit between their teeth and great interplay between McKechan and Wikiteria released Muskett to record his second try in the corner.

Burnham were now in total control and following a strong run by Astle, Burnham recycled the ball to Tim Piper to score under the posts and then convert for a 36-19 lead – and Gibb scored his second try in the final minutes to seal an emphatic win.

Burnham's next match is away to league leaders Coney Hill on April 11, kick-off is 3pm.