Regional 2 Tribute South West: Burnham-on-Sea 29-36 Wadebridge Camels

ON Saturday, March 23, Burnham-on-Sea RFC hosted their final home game of the 2023/24 season as Wadebridge Camels came to the BASC Ground.

The third placed Camels were perhaps expecting a straightforward afternoon but the Stags put in a very impressive shift to take the game to the promotion chasing side.

At full time the score was 29-36 in favour of Wadebridge and the result leaves Burnham at the bottom of the Regional 2 Tribute South West division.

The visitors were on the scoreboard first as they took a three point lead from a penalty conversion early on.

However Burnham had the first try of the match soon after as Ryan Beard scored from out wide to make it 5-3.

From there, an unfortunate mistake by Felix Grandfield gifted Wadebridge a try out wide, it was unconverted and the score was 5-10.

The Stags then enjoyed a passage of the half where they were on top and it started when a quick line break from Tim Piper opened up play, he spread the ball to Alex Watkins who kicked high and Scott Beard gathered to score.

Scott Havercroft converted to send Burnham back in front at 12-10, but they continued their attacking rugby.

Piper went on another run and fended off the Wadebridge youthful defender to score next to the post and Havercroft converted again for 19-10.

And Havercroft added another three points from a penalty conversion soon after to take the score to 22-10.

Wadebridge pulled a try back as the game went on and the score was 22-17, however Burnham weren't done yet and Sam Lewis spotted a gaps in the Wadebridge defence to score, this time Piper converted for 29-17.

Wadebridge brought the game to 29-24 with 10 minutes to go and soon after a yellow card for Ross Cameron gave the visitors a man advantage.

The Camels made the most of it too as they ran in two tries right at the death, the second being a lucky try but it was enough for them to win 29-36.

The final home game was also the club's sponsors day, which has newly been named The Pete Crimmins Sponsors Day in honour of the late Mr Crimmins.

A spokesperson from the club said: "We can never thank you enough for your help and assistance throughout the season to allow us to play and continue to offer high standards across our club.

"As Pete was a tireless supporter and sponsor of many players over the years it was only right to give something back to him and from now on this day will be in memory of him and what he has done for our club."