Burnham were narrowly defeated in a relegation battle against Old Bristolians, but managed to pick up two points.

Old Bristolians 31 pts

Burnham 27 pts

BURNHAM travelled away for a crucial relegation battle, only to be let down at the last moment, with just 16 players available.

When Burnham had ball in hand they looked more likely to create opportunities but, unfortunately, in set play, they had to give away height, weight and to more experienced forwards.

Within minutes of the start, OB’s were awarded a penalty line-out, producing a strong drive to enable to release their winger to score under the posts.

Not to be outdone, Burnham created a long spell of intense pressure, eventually producing their own driving maul, giving Henry Bigwood the final touchdown. Piper converted to level the scores.

Ten minutes later, after smart work from Pope, Dickens and Wall, Burnham crashed into their opponents with another driving maul to give Jordyn Wikiteria a try, but minutes later, OB’s replied with another try, only for Piper to slot over a long-range penalty on the stroke of half-time for a one-point lead.

At the start of the second half, OB’s, realising that there best chance lay in set pieces, moved ahead after a driving maul and 20 minutes later grabbed a pushover try.

Almost immediately afterwards, Burnham were awarded a penalty, which was taken quickly by Piper, who scored under the posts, which he converted.

Towards the end, OB’s scored with another pushover try to lead 31-22, but Burnham replied on the stroke of time when Piper intercepted in his own half and slipped the ball to Beau Dickens, who raced home from 60 metres.

Despite the narrow defeat, Burnham collected two points, moving them up one place in the league. Burnham have two home games left to possibly keep them safe.