Burnham’s Under 12s rugby team showed great character and spirit this week by winning a tough tournament in tremendous style.
After disappointment at the recent Wells Tournament, the team bounced back by winning the Hornets Tournament against teams from across the region.
Burnham had trained hard pre-tournament and had also worked on several game plans and options in order to combat any strengths the opposition might have.
First up was Keynsham, A well organised and physical team who had recently defeated an under strength Burnham at the Wells event by three tries to two but a great team performance by Burnham was reflected in a deserved three try to nil victory.
Next was Swindon. Encouraged by their Keynsham win, Burnham flew out of the blocks and destroyed Swindon nine trys to nil!
The third match saw Burnham take on Abertillery. It quickly became obvious that their key player was a young ‘Gareth Edwards’ at scrum-half who had dominated play in their two previous games. But Burnham’s pack again put in a formidable physical performance and comfortably closed out the game two trys to nil.
The final pool match saw the town face Bracknell. Against strong resistance, Burnham eventually won by two trys to nil. Great defence and heart was displayed by all the boys and a place in the semi’s was booked.
In the semi’s, Burnham took on Biggleswade. Two evenly matched sides faced each other and despite continued Burnham pressure they were thwarted by a magnificent defensive effort until the very last play of the game. Burnham squeezed through to the final thanks to the determined efforts of a very tired but relentless pack.
In the final, Burnham faced Keynsham again! Burnham took to the field without two key players, forced out through injury, with confidence but no complacency.
“In a keenly contested game, Burnham’s sheer desire to win proved to be the decisive factor and half way through the second half the breakthrough was made with a try by ‘man of the tournament’ Simon Elrick,” Head Coach Nigel White told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“Burnham then closed out the match to win one try to nil. Well done both sides for such an excellent close game.”
“This is the U12’s second tournament win after remaining undefeated in all individual matches during the course of an excellent season.”
“This performance is special as it wasn’t just the stars that shone, it was achieved by each and every boy in the squad stepping up and playing their hearts out for each other.”
“The morale and team spirit within the side is truly its greatest strength. Really well done boys, we are very proud of you.”
