BURNHAM should have won this match if they had taken all of their first half opportunities, but in the end they were grateful for a draw.

Burnham 16 pts

Wellington 16 pts

BURNHAM should have won this match if they had taken all of their first half opportunities, but in the end they were grateful for a draw.

This result enabled them to move up to fourth, their highest ever league position since they have been playing league rugby.

Burnham’s faithful were treated to another absorbing match at the BASC ground with both teams striving to finish the season strongly. From the start, Burnham had the wind at their backs and after 30 minutes Burnham had edged ahead by three penalties to one, Piper duly obliging.

Then from a neatly taken line-out, Tuttiet was able to pass to Elisi Vunipola, who found the gap and used all of his considerable experience, evading tackles as he bludgeoned his way over from 45 metres, Piper converted for a 16-3 lead.

In the second half, Wellington signalled their intentions by kicking for position rather than going for goal. Securing the line-out, their centre was strong enough to touch down. Minutes later Burnham were penalised for pulling down a maul and were suitably punished by a penalty.

Soon after, Wellington produced enough space for their fly-half to slot over a drop goal from 45 metres to tie the scores. However, for the remainder of the match Burnham produced some heroic defending, culminating in a try-saving tackle from Kiwi Muskett with two minutes left on the clock.

On Saturday, Burnham travel to Wellington for a re-match, kick-off 3pm.