Rugby: Burnham seconds lose thrilling game at Chelmsford

The game produced good passages of play mixed in with some unfortunate apathy, and a lack of attention from Burnham.

The home side took the lead early on, catching the Burnham back line unaware for a score under the posts.

The conversion was added to make it 7-0 to Chelmsford. Burnham then rallied with some sensible forwards play, namely from Andy Bache and Terry Wilson, which created an opportunity for Tom Lawrence to make several surging runs.

Burnham forward pressure amounted to nothing when a lapse in their concentration saw a quick line out from Chelmsford and a score under the posts which was unconverted.

Before the break both teams were at loggerheads, with good runs from Barclay and Doddings in the backs. Chelmsford were allowed a score at half-time to make it 17-0.

After half-time a regenerated Burnham side took the pitch and and a few forced moves of players meant that Michael Bridge and Andy Nunn had to play the entire game in the front row, alongside Lee Clark.

Their performance reflected the spirit that is present in the team at the moment.

Burnham were rampant in the second half with strong forward play from Mike Lovell and Anthony Cole, allowing clean ball from Melton to feed the backs.

John Burchell placed a measured kick into the opponent's half for John Doddings to score.

Burnham now lifted came back to score once again following a chinking run from Simon, eventually passing to Lawrence to score under the posts. This was converted, which was shortly followed by another Burnham try bringing the scores level at 17-17.

The game was in Burnham's grasp as Chelmsford were so shell-shocked, however, some indiscipline from Burnham gave away a penalty in the last few minutes, perhaps flattering the home team but a thrilling game.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.