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Old Bristolians 31, Burnham 1st XI 27

BURNHAM suffered a setback in their battle to avoid the drop, going down to a narrow defeat at Old Bristolians on Saturday.

With a squad of just 16 players, Burnham tried their hardest to perform against a much larger side.

Within minutes of the start, OBs were awarded a penalty lineout, pro¬ ducing a strong drive to enable to release their winger to score under the posts – 7-0.

Not to be outdone, after 20 minutes of nip-and-tuck, Burnham created a long spell of intense pressure, eventually producing their own driving maul giving Henry Bigwood the final touchdown which Piper converted.

Ten minutes later, with smart work from Pope, Dickens and Wall, Burnham crashed into their opponents with another driving maul to give Jordyn Wikiteria the try and lead 12-7.

Five minutes later, Old Bristolians, with a carbon copy of their first score, crept ahead 14-12, only for Piper to slot over a long-range penalty on the stroke of half-time and make it 15-14 to Burnham.

At the start of the second half, OBs, realising their best chance lay in set pieces, with yet another driving maul moved ahead 21-15 and then 20 minutes later grabbed a pushover try.

Almost immediately afterwards, Burnham were awarded a penalty, whereupon Tim Piper took a quick tap and wriggled his way through to score under the posts and then convert to make it 26-22.

As the game crept towards the end, OBs scored with another pushover try but Burnham were not to be denied the chance to rescue something for their endeavours and, on the stroke of time, Piper intercepted in his own half, managed to slip the ball to Beau Dickens, who raced home from 60 metres.

It was an admirable effort from Burnham, who, if they had a full squad would not have to have continued with injured players, which would have, surely, produced a better result.

However, Burnham at least collected two points, moving them up one place in the league. Well done to the squad that turned up.

Burnham have two home games left out of three to possibly keep them safe.

On Saturday, they welcome mid-table Chosen Hill Former Pupils then, on April 11, travel to division leaders Coney Hill.

Their last game of the season is at home to Keynsham on April 18.