Western Counties West
Burnham-on-Sea 24, Devonport Services 17

BURNHAM earned a crucial win in their fight against relegation after defeating promotion-chasing Devonport in a tight encounter on Saturday.

With both usual captains out through injury, Luke Gowan took charge of the side, and the hosts began the match well.

Playing into the wind in the first half, Burnham launched some promising attacks but could not turn their early pressure into points as they found the ball turned over at vital moments.

The home side did eventually break the deadlock when Brandon Pettitt sprinted clear to cross the line for a try which was converted by Tim Piper.

Pettitt and Piper were involved in strong breaks in the rest of the half but Burnham were let down by a lack of supporting players, though they did stretch their advantage when Josh Holder drew in the last defender before releasing the ball to Lee Vaughan, who crashed over.

Two Piper penalties kept the scoreboard ticking over as Burnham took an impressive 18-0 lead into the interval and looked well on their way to recording a vital victory after a one-sided opening half.

The second period was a different story, however, as Burnham conceded numerous penalties and saw three players sin-binned at various times, leaving them occasionally down to 13 men.

Burnham’s indiscipline saw Devonport run in three tries, one of which was converted, and the hosts were grateful to two further Piper penalties which maintained their advantage.

Despite some intense late pressure, Burnham managed to hang on and claim a narrow win which could be crucial in their survival bid.

Burnham’s set-piece functioned particularly well throughout, though they still have work to do discipline-wise.

***

THIS weekend, Burnham travel to league leaders Exeter University hoping to complete what would be an excellent league double, having won the reverse fixture 24-0.

With three of the four teams below them – Wellington, Crediton and Bude – all recording victories last time out, the pressure remains on for Burnham.

They go into Saturday’s tough test sitting three points ahead of the second-bottom side, Tiverton, who travel to face Torquay Athletic this weekend.