Somerset Premier
Bristol Harlequins 8, Burnham-on-Sea 22

BURNHAM travelled to relegation-threatened Bristol Harlequins on Saturday, and came away with a 22-8 victory.

In glorious sunshine and backed by a good away support, the Stags led after five minutes as Tim Piper slotted over a penalty.

The visitors had plenty of possession but were let down by handling errors, before giving away a penalty which levelled the scores at 3-3.

Burnham hit back by winning a 5m scrum, which led to Will Hopkins forcing his way over; Piper’s conversion hit the post so the half-time score was 8-3.

Quins hauled themselves level again with an unconverted try of their own, but then the Stags really took the game to their hosts.

Quick ball from the breakdown allowed Russ Pike to rampage through for a try, Piper adding the extras.

The home side piled on the pressure, but were kept at bay, and the visitors dominated the final 10 minutes.

A flowing move saw Ryan Rossiter get close to the line, and Hopkins finished off the job by smashing his way over.

Piper converted, to seal a 22-8 win for Burnham.

This coming Saturday sees Burnham entertain Old Redcliffians 2nds (ko 3pm); Burnham are eighth in the table and Old Reds sit in ninth spot.

***

WHILE Burnham’s 1st XV were winning on the road, the 2nds secured a 36-17 victory at home to Somerset 2 South foes Weston-super-Mare 4ths.

Jude Donnelly gave the Stags an early lead with an unconverted try, but the visitors shot into a 17-5 lead inside 25 minutes.

But after a red card for the Weston fly-half, Tim James, Scott Havercroft, Felix Grandfield and Dave Wainwright all crossed the whitewash for the hosts.

This Saturday sees Burnham travel to take on Minehead Barbarians 2nds.