BURNHAM travelled to lowly Tavistock and emerged winners after being given an early shock.

BURNHAM travelled to lowly Tavistock and emerged winners after being given an early shock.

From the start, Tavistock hammered away at Burnham and after 10 minutes they collected a penalty goal, a drop goal, followed up by a try to lead 11-0.

However, from then on, Burnham were able to stop the rot and force their way back into the game. Gaining good possession, the ball reached Chillingworth, it was then recycled to Tim Piper, who then handed off two defenders before scoring under the posts and then converting.

Fifteen minutes later, another Burnham attack gave Piper sufficient room to slot over a drop goal. Unfortunately, Burnham blotted their copybook by not binding correctly, allowing Tavistock to kick a penalty.

Burnham were able to raise their game and after pressurising Tavistock’s line, Stuart Blake peeled away from a scrum to force his way over, Piper converting. On the stroke of half-time, Burnham were adjudged to have committed a high tackle and Tavistock pulled level.

Early into the second half, the hosts were penalised for not rolling away, giving Burnham a three point lead. With full time looming, Burnham again won an important scrum giving skipper Blake time to draw the defence and create the space for Elisi Vunipola to score under the posts.

Burnham’s next match is against Tiverton March 26 at home, 2.30pm kick-off.