Somerset Premier

Burnham-on-Sea 20, Weston-super-Mare 2nds 13

BURNHAM-ON-SEA’S Friday night experiment was a success on and off the field as a good crowd turned out to watch the hosts defeat Weston-super-Mare 2nds in a hard-fought floodlit encounter.

The visitors had a man sin-binned in the opening minutes, but they were first on the scoreboard with a penalty before Tim Piper’s boot levelled the scores.

Burnham then scored the first try of the night, Jude Donnelly outpacing the visiting defence, before lock Luke Gowan went over for a try which Piper converted as the hosts took a 15-3 lead into the break.

Weston reduced the deficit with a penalty early in the second half but Burnham gained the crucial next score with 10 minutes to play, Stefan Pierce benefitting from a well-worked catch and drive at the lineout - Piper added the extras.

The visitors hit back with a try of their own but Burnham held out for victory.

Skipper Ross McKechan said: “It was a very physical contest - they came at us hard but we stood up to it.

“The forwards were excellent and gave the backs a platform, and we took our opportunities for points when they came.

“It was enjoyable playing under lights and we will look to try it again later in the season.”

On Saturday, Burnham travel to Nailsea & Backwell.