Regional 2 Tribute South West: Burnham-on-Sea 19-21 Chard

BURNHAM-on-Sea RFC were narrowly beaten at home by Chard RFC at the weekend in a fierce contest.

Both sides were strong in defence but ultimately the scoreline read 19-21 in favour of Chard RFC.

With temperatures in Burnham-on-Sea at a staggering level both sides deserve credit for somehow having the energy to get through the game and provide plenty of excitement for the supporters.

The home side scored two unconverted tries in the opening half with Scott Beard and Scott Havercroft getting the touchdowns. 

Burnham were looking good in the heat and were breaking through the lines of defence quite regularly.

However, Chard kept in touch with the boot of fly half Niall Crouch converting three penalty kicks and indeed could have been in front but a try scoring effort from prop Dave Biss was judged to have been held up, so the mid-way point was reached with Burnham leading 10-9.

Early in the second half Matt Tinley went very close for Chard before Crouch and winger Finn Shoemark linked up well for Chard’s first try which went unconverted.

A long kick down field from Crouch was chased by Shoemark who kept calm and dribbled the ball over the line before touching down.

At this point, the Stags looked on the ropes as Chard were fresher in the second period.

A second try for Chard came as a result of some excellent teamwork which started with skipper Luke Aplin finding space before the ball was spun wide through several pairs of hands before Crouch found a gap to score a fine try which he also converted.

For Chard, hooker Joe Mainwaring had a good game and was named man of the match.

Crouch kicked well and Aiden Cable, Jack Mills were all mentioned in dispatches.

Havercroft kicked three penalties for Burnham in the second half but Chard held on to claim a deserved victory which was very sweet after last weeks last minute disappointment against Wadebridge.

For Burnham, Havercroft and Beard, the two Scott's, had a strong performance.

Burnham will now look to bounce back next weekend when they take on Crediton away from home.

The Stags have lost their two opening games this season but they have shown some quality rugby despite the defeats.