Counties 1 Tribute Western North: Burnham 21-7 Longlevens

BURNHAM-on-Sea Rugby Club have started 2023 in the right way after a win at home over Longlevens.

It was a tense game that ended two tries to one but it was the hosts who came out on top over the second placed visitors.

Eoghan Westhoff and Nick Spinks scored the all important tries for Burnham, meanwhile Scott Havercroft was on form with the boot as he kicked a few penalties to push Burnham in front.

A minute’s silence was held just before kick off to remember the passing of former player, club captain, chairman and also chairman of BASC, Mike Pitcher.

The match was also Alex Watkins 100th appearance for the Stags; the fullback was in top form on the day.

A true club legend, Alex started playing at the age of five in the minis going through all age groups to Colts where he then moved on to the senior's.

Making his 1st team debut at the age of 17 away at Bristol harlequins in 2013, he has never looked back.

The club said: "Alex has been ever present as a fullback this season and we look forward to him making another 100 more."

In the match itself, it was the hosts who made the better start, winning back possession and limiting Longlevens to not much at all.

In the tenth minute Nick Spinks found some space out wide and crossed for the first try of the match. It was unconverted and the score was 5-0.

Before the half time break it was just two penalties that saw the score change. One for offside in the 22nd minute which Scott Havercroft nudged over.

Then, just before the break another penalty was awarded in front of the posts which Havercroft converted.

Into the second half and it was more of the same, another penalty saw Havercroft make the score 14-0 and Longlevens were struggling to get going.

Eoghan Westoff made the score 19-0 with a great try after he was played in by Watkins under the posts. Havercroft duly made it 21-0.

The visitors were frustrated and they received a yellow card shortly after for a high tackle.

The final score of the game came late as the away side finally got on the scoreboard. All too late though.

Next up, Burnham face Midsomer Norton away from home on Saturday, January 14.