BURNHAM resumed their season after a four week layoff with an emphatic win over Devonport Services.

BURNHAM resumed their season after a four week layoff with an emphatic win over Devonport Services.

They gained revenge for their defeat in Plymouth, but more importantly leapfrogged their opponents to record their highest position of sixth in Western Counties rugby.

For the first 25 minutes, Devonport kept Burnham at bay and it took a smart piece of thinking by Bryan Webb to score under the posts, Sam Chillingworth adding the extras.

Five minutes later, Vunipola grabbed the initiative, finding his two midfield partners, Tim Piper and Muskett, who deftly exchanged passes before releasing Chillingworth to round his man and score under the posts. Just before half-time, Devonport converted a penalty.

After the break, Piper set up Paul to link up with the pack and after a series of offloads, found Watts, created a space for Mike Hocking to dive over.

Burnham yet again supplied simple ball for Piper to slip a neat reverse pass for Sam Coles to touch down. A few minutes later Burnham stole possession from a maul, leading to Piper scoring, converted by Vunipola.

Burnham kept their foot on the pedal and from a scrum five metres out, drove Devonport back to record a pushover try with Stuart Blake touching down. Straight from the kick-off, Gowan set up a ruck to release Piper, who combined with Richard Muskett and Bowkett before Muskett scored in the corner.

Devonport scored a consolation try after a poor clearance by Burnham to finish the scoring.

On Saturday, Burnham travel to Exeter Saracens, kick-off 2.30pm.