Burnham U12's get back into stride post Christmas Break

Burnham travelled to Rochford expecting to play just the one game, but were informed that the fixture was now a triangle with Rochford. Slightly more disappointing was the expectation that Burnham would then play two games back-to-back, and having come the furthest distance to play. Nevertheless, with a strong team of 15 players, Burnham were up against the other travelling side Westcliff, and given the size of both the opposition clubs you could have expected that Burnham would struggle.

Clearly though Burnham had other ideas, and the boys seemed anxious to get on with the game after the long break. The game kicked-off and it quickly became apparent to Burnham that this game was there for the taking. Playing uphill in the first half, they took less than two minutes to breach Westcliff's line with a well worked try by Harry C.

That then became the format for the rest of the half with the forwards powering forward, setting up the rucks for the backs to run riot. And they didn't disappoint. Further tries by OG (2), and Callum (2) resulted in a 5-0 half-time score.

Burnham turned around with the slope advantage for the second half, and added a further 4 tries through Chase, OG, Keean and Harry.

Final score Burnham 9, Westcliff 0

Burnham then had to then turnaround with a 5 minute rest and play the home side Rochford. The team was showing some match fatigue having had no games for a month, and a long holiday break. Rochford clearly had the benefit of not having played a game, and they scored 5 tries. But the second half was a different story. With a positive half-time team talk, they boys were told to go and be a little more direct, and take the game to Rochford. Clearly this Rochford side are too used to getting their own way, but Burnham started to tackle hard, and in earnest. Playing up the slope, they gave everything, and were rewarded with two tries (OG and Harry), with another try just being dropped over the line. Had the game lasted another 5 minutes there was just one team in it, and the team were playing with confidence, tenacity and purpose.

Final score Rochford 5, Burnham 2

Super team performance under the circumstances, and with Canvey at home next weekend, they should be looking to avenge the close defeat earlier in the season.

Try scorers
OG -4
Harry - 3
Callum - 2
Chase - 1
Keean - 1