Burnham 01st XV versus Runwell (Essex Merit - League)

Essex Merit Table – Division 4 – Burnham on Crouch Rugby

Burnham travelled To Runwell in one of their last remaining Division 4 games. With a new 01st team coach in place, the team was in a positive mood, even though conditions didn’t favour open flowing rugby. It was clear from the start that Burnham had come to play a more expansive game, and elected to play against the wind and drizzle in the first half. The Runwell team featured an experienced pack, and a decent set of backs, and with home advantage this could well have played out into a close game.

The first half started with some pace, Burnham electing to move the ball at every opportunity, with Runwell more determined to use their large forwards to run through trying to breach the Burnham defence. Burnham seemed to get the upper hand in the scrums and line-outs, and eventually used this advantage to create the openings. Particularly pleasing was a rolling maul, which ended up with Burnham going over in the corner. This try with a couple of other tries and conversions in the first half resulted in a 24-0 lead to Burnham.

The second half should have allowed Burnham to capitalise on the lead, but Runwell to their credit came back strongly. Burnham made several enforced changes through injury, and took some time to regroup. There were opportunities, but a lack of discipline and some fine defending by Runwell restricted Burnham to one converted try.

The final score being 31-0 to Burnham.

On the face of it a good win, but plenty to work on.

Burnham’s next league match is at home to Thames on the 05th March.

Training for senior players continues on Wednesday’s at 07:30