Western Counties North

Burnham on Sea 22 Stroud 10

BURNHAM emerged victorious from a match in which they were probably expected to struggle, with Stroud third in the league.

Tries from Jordan Paul (2), Beau Dickens and Jack Pope sealed a bonus-point win for Burnham who will now be targeting a top-four finish.

At last Burnham put into action, what they had practised on the training ground.

Burnham started well and with, at times, a fierce cross wind they claimed the first score after 15 minutes, winning their own scrum, where Wikitera drew the immediate defender and slipped the ball to Beau Dickens to hand off one opponent and evade the next before crossing the line.

Try as they might, Stroud couldn't break down Burnham's line and after stealing the ball, Dickens whipped it out to Muskett, whose carefully placed kick, enabled Jordan Paul to chase it down, hack it on and then win the race to ground the ball. Dickens converted.

Five minutes later, after a period of concerted pressure, Stroud at last managed to penetrate Burnham's line.

The team talk from both skipper and coach re-energised Burnham and Muskett's tantalising grubber kick gave Jack Pope the chance to show off his speed and touch down.

Ten minutes later, Burnham won their own scrum and even though they were going backwards, Wikitera picked up, drew the fullback and then slipped the ball on to a marauding Jordan Paul to claim his second try of the game and a bonus-point for Burnham.

Stroud hit back and recorded a try, but Burnham held out to post a well earned victory.

Burnham are away to Chosen Hill Former Pupils on Saturday.