Somerset Premier

Old Redcliffians 2nds 10, Burnham-on-Sea 22

THE Stags ventured up to Bristol for the last time this season to take on Old Reds 2nd XV who were ninth in the table, writes Lee Berry.

With the slope of the pitch to The Stags’ advantage, they immediately applied pressure on Reds’ defensive line.

Within a couple of minutes, the ball was recycled out wide to No 8 Ash Cutter who used his strength to crash over.

The Stags were in control of the game for long spells in the first half with quick recycled ball at the breakdown but poor decision-making and handling errors let them down.

Back row Sam Wall went off with mild concussion and, minutes later, fly-half Tom Chaffey went off with a dislocated finger.

On came Eoghan Westhoff for Wall and Felix Grandfield for Chaffey with Piper stepping back into his usual position at fly-half.

Reds noticed the frustration on The Stags’ faces and they take control for the remainder of the half and levelled the game by the break.

Annoyed by their error-strewn performance, this tenacious group of players showed why they are high up the league table.

Soon after the restart, The Stags were awarded a penalty in the Reds’ 22 which Piper slotted over to regain the lead.

From the restart, Reds’ fly-half kicked the ball high and the home pack time to raced into The Stags 22 and force more errors.

Once composure had be regained, The Stags slowly worked their way up the slope and back into the Reds’ 22.

The phases of play hit double figures before The Stags broke the Reds’ line and Ryan Beard scored a vital try which Piper converted.

The Stags knew what was coming from the kick-off, Reds tested the away defence but the defence, led by Ryan Rossiter, nailed anything which moved.

With 10 minutes to play, Piper spotted a gap in the 9-10 channel, made 25 metres with Beard in support who received the pass and sealed the win.

Reds hit back to score a consolation try not long before the final whistle.

MOM - Ryan Rossiter.