Regional 2 Tribute South West: Burnham-on-Sea 19-34 Topsham

BURNHAM-on-Sea RFC were dealt a tough blow at the weekend in their pursuit of avoiding relegation this season.

Playing at home in the Regional Two Tribute South West division, the Stags were defeated 19-34 by Topsham RFC.

It was an end-to-end battle that saw both sides play some high quality rugby, however after 80 minutes the visitors had done enough to win.

There was a welcome return to Sam Wall and Toby Fear onto the bench for Burnham, along with Luke Gowan, Ross Cameron and Sam Lewis back into the starting line up.

Despite returning to near full strength, it was Topsham who had the brighter start and they crossed for an early unconverted try to go up 0-5.

Burnham had a chance to respond with a penalty conversion, however it was unfortunately missed by Scott Havercroft.

From that, Topsham gathered the loose ball and went on the attack, and soon after used some superb passing play to cross out wide through the winger for 0-10.

Topsham continued to press higher up the pitch and the number 12 collected his own kick before passing to the 14 who scored a converted try under the posts for 0-17.

And before half time the visitors crossed again as Burnham switched off and some quick hands saw Topsham extend the lead to 0-22 before the break.

In the second period, Topsham started on the front foot with another try to make it 0-27 however Burnham snapped out of their rut.

Experienced half Tim Piper found some space to cross over for Burnham's first try of the match and he converted it to make it 7-27.

And not long after Sam Wall went in to pick up the Stags second try of the afternoon. It was unconverted but the score was now 12-27.

Topsham quickly stopped Burnham's ascendency as they were back on the scoresheet soon after to extend the lead back to 12-34.

However not to be outdone and as always showing a fighting spirit, Burnham would score the last try of the day.

Ryan Beard was on the end of a solid attacking play and crossed over for a try, Burnham's third of the match. Piper converted on the stroke of full time meaning the final score was 19-34.

A tough defeat for Burnham but once again they showed their determined spirit throughout the match.

They will need that spirit to help them in the final knockings of the season as they have three games left to play.

First up is a trip to Cornwall to take on Truro RFC on Saturday, March 16 for a 2.30pm kick off.