Somerset Premier
Burnham-on-Sea 42, Old Redcliffians II 7

BURNHAM-ON-SEA notched up their eighth straight win on Saturday, to keep themselves at the top of the Somerset Premier table – four points clear of nearest rivals Nailsea & Backwell and Oldfield Old Boys.

The Stags were too good for the latest visitors to the BASC Ground, beating Old Redcliffians 2nd XV 42-7.

A try for Ryan Beard, converted by Tim Piper, put Burnham ahead, only for the visitors to respond immediately to make it 7-7.

That was the last time the home try-line would be breached, though, with Sam Wall and Jude Donnelly’s tries – again converted by Piper – putting the Stags 21-7 ahead at half-time.

They added another 21 points in the second half, with a penalty try followed by scores from Tom Wall and Sam Wall with his second off the back of a scrum.

Without a game this coming Saturday, Burnham travel to Oldfield Old Boys (who have seven wins from seven games so far) on November 9.

Burnham captain Ross McKechan, who played his 200th game for the club in Saturday’s win, said: “This was another positive performance in tricky conditions.

“We defended really well and cut out their options.

“When we had the ball, we opened them up and scored some well-worked tries.

“We left a lot of points out there though and know the score could have been a lot higher.

“We’ve started the season very positively and, after a week’s break, we will be looking to get back up and running away to Oldfield in what is sure to be a tough, closely-fought game.”

McKechan has been with the club since 2011 having played his junior rugby at Taunton.

The last three of those seasons have seen him captain the side and, upon reaching his landmark 200th game, he added: “I am not too fussed about personal milestones, but I have played with some great players who have reached that number so it is nice to join them.

“In terms of highlights, we had a great team in 2013/14 when we nearly got promoted from Western Counties level and then winning the Somerset Vase last year was a memorable day.

“Obviously, relegation a couple of years ago was tough but we have a great bunch of boys here and I have always enjoyed playing alongside them.

“This season has been really good so far – we have had good numbers at training and everyone is enjoying their rugby.

“There are tough games to come – no more so than in two weeks against another side who haven’t lost yet – but I back us against anyone in this league.

“I have confidence that we can stay towards the top end of the table.”

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Somerset 2 South
Burnham-on-Sea II 32, Yeovil II 15

THE 2nd XI battled the torrid weather and a resolute Yeovil 2nds side on Saturday, winning the game courtesy of scores from Scott Mills (2), Ben Barrow, Neil Harding, Matt Love and Tim James.

Burnham are now 10th in the Somerset 2 South table, with four points from their opening six games.

Their next fixture is away to 12th-placed Tor 2nds (who prop up the table) on Saturday, November 9.