RUGBY: Burnham relegation danger grows after Wellington defeat

BURNHAM suffered another disappointing defeat away to fellow strugglers Wellington, despite them scoring more tries and their opponents having three players sent to the sin bin during the second half.

After their 14-12 loss to Tiverton, last weekend brought a second straight two-point reverse.

As resolute as the hosts’ defending was for much of the game, Burnham ultimately lost the game through their own errors and misjudgements.

On too many occasions, players went into contact without the requisite support, handling errors were too frequent, and overlaps were created only for them to be ignored.

Poor tackling also cost them dearly, as instead of taking a first away win of the season to move away from the relegation zone, they allowed the dropzone to move closer to them.

Burnham, sitting in 11th position on 27 points, are being reeled in by the bottom sides Wellington (23 points), Bude (23) and Crediton (22).

They now need points, and quickly, to get out of this dangerous situation.

Wellington have found some improved form of late, but Burnham struck first in this encounter at the Athletic Ground.

The visitors pounced on a defensive mistake to send Sam Wall in for a try out wide, which went unconverted.

But the home side’s response was swift, winger Jamie Hayman crossing after a fine move, and full-back Tom Hawkings added the extras to give his side a 7-5 lead.

It was still Wellington in the ascendancy after this, and the away team gave away a penalty for offside in front of their posts, allowing Hawkings to make the half-time score 10-5.

LEAP: Burnham slipped to defeat against fellow strugglers Wellington. Pic: Steve Richardson

The indiscipline in the second half came largely from the hosts, though, as they were shown three yellow cards – at one point playing with 13 men for nearly 10 minutes.

Tim Piper kicked a penalty to reduce Burnham’s deficit to two points, but Hawkings nailed a three-pointer of his own for 13-8.

The visitors’ numerical advantage brought a try for Brandon Pettitt, and although the conversion was missed the scores were level.

Just when Burnham would have hoped to push on for the victory, they were rocked back on their heels by a second try from Wellington’s Hayman.

He beat his man, outpaced the covering defence and finally made a successful kick and chase to cross for a try which delighted the home crowd.

Hawkings converted, and Burnham found themselves seven points down.

But there was hope in their continued advantage in numbers, and Pettitt went over for his second and his side’s third try, once again unconverted, to cut Wellington’s lead to two.

They piled on the pressure but could not force another score, as the hosts’ 14-man defence stood firm and withstood Burnham’s efforts.

A losing bonus point was of little consolation, as they failed to exploit their high percentages of territory and possession, with Wellington able to snuff out the majority of attacks despite frequently having only 13 or 14 players on the field.

It was another ‘what if’ match for Burnham – the talent is clearly there but, at the moment, the application is not.

Burnham are at home to fourth-placed Truro this Saturday (ko 2.30pm).

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Somerset 2 South
Burnham-on-Sea 2nd XI 20, North Petherton 2nd XI 27

BURNHAM 2nds also lost out at the weekend, at home to North Petherton 2nds, to drop to fifth in the Somerset 2 South standings.

Pethy are third, level on 50 points with second-placed Winscombe 2nds, but leaders Morganians are 19 points clear.

As for Burnham, their defeat saw them leapfrogged by Yeovil 2nds, with both teams having 43 points.

This weekend Burnham travel to Tor 2nds – sixth on 36 points – and will look to regain fourth spot while keeping Tor at a safe distance.

Burnham won the reverse fixture 86-5 in October.