Burnham Rugby Club tour side played some great rugby at times when taking on the might of Edinburgh Academicals but despite a fine second half rally they had to return south having been defeated.

Arriving on Good Friday afternoon at Edinburgh the Burnham squad were treated to the hospitality arranged by their hosts before the big game on Saturday afternoon.

After the pre-match photographs the two sides lined up in front of the spectators for a minute's silence as a mark of respect for Burnham prop Ashley Bush who had passed away earlier in the week and will be sadly missed.

Burnham initially started well but the hosts counter attacked with their splendid set of backs bursting out and creating an overlap to run in an early try, despite some strong tackling from Bache, Rushby, Newton and Dodding.

It was clear that the Burnham side were still shaking off the effect of the journey and the Edinburgh hospitality, as the Scottish side managed to run in several more tries despite the efforts of Barr, Allen, McCoy and Burchall.

The Scots won the first half although the Burnham pack with the front row of interchanging props White, Blunden, Marchetto and Goodbourne with steadfast hooker Baker in the middle kept a steady scrum.

The second half saw Burnham come back and theirfirst try came from a penalty when Baker called to Barr who popped the ball for Baker to burrow through two defenders to score.

Burnham's second try came when Allen tackled a Scottish centre, the resulting spilled ball was picked up by Wilson who took it on then popped to Little who drove on and then released back to Wilson who ran the try in between the posts.

The third Burnham try saw winger Kelly picked up a loose ball and turned in the tackle to pop the ball to second row Earing, who running at pace broke through one tackle before passing the ball to Wade in support to score under the posts.

Two of the tries were converted by Barr.

Burnham continued the attack with several attempts at push over tries, and again Baker made it to the line, grounding the ball on the line, but not given the try.

The pressure continued and it was a relieved Scottish side that hard the final whistle.

Although Burnham had won the second half it was not enough to win the game.

Despite this it was an excellent performance and comeback by a touring side which was greatly appreciated by the spectators who joined in the celebrations and presentations after the game.

On Saturday Burnham I entertain Clacton-on-Sea while Burnham III's travel to Chelmsford V with Burnham II on the fixture exchange.

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