The academy side have always had close games against Sidcup throughout their Beccs history, from mini's through to the youth. Most of the time Beccs have been on the wrong end of the score line.
This season we have faced Sidcup three times - loosing in a friendly hosted at Sidcup, managing a tight 10-10 score line in the league, at Sidcup and we finally faced them in the plate final at Ashford.

Becc's started the brighter with the vast majority of territory, with only the hands letting us down. It took almost 20mins for Ollie A to secure his first Beccs try of the season, streaking down his wing having been set free by Tom F. Two mins later he had secured his second, unfortunately neither converted.
Sidcup gathered themselves out muscling Beccs for a converted score. This gave Sidcup momentum as they had the upper hand... however some great inter play by Beccs left Tolu to dance around the Sidcup defence to secure the third try, which was converted by Jed. A few minutes later great inter play and support left Tom B with a small amount of space, in which to run around a couple of defenders to secure the fourth try, which was converted..... HT 24-7 to Beccs.

5 changes were made at half time. This along with the resolve of Sidcup after the HT chat meant that the game slowed down, with neither side making much progress until inter play between Mattie (making his first start since breaking his hand against Sidcup in the league) and Ollie A led to Ollie's third try of the game - just like buses they all game at once. A couple of more subs came on, with Tom W replacing Ollie on the wing. Sidcup managed to barge their way over again with an unconverted try.
A few minutes later a ball was passed out to Tom W, who showed great jugging skills to retain the ball and cross in the corner for an unconverted try.

As the clock ticked away Sidcup did not give up and kept pushing and trying to break the Becc's defence. Likewise, although Beccs had the lead they did not sit back and kept pushing. As the last minute approached Beccs made several attempts at crossing the Sidcup line. Tom F, now playing scrummy, having started at 15, saw a small gap open up and pounced over the line from short range.... as the conversion went over the full time whistle blew.

FT 41-12.

An entertaining game to watch played in good spirt by both teams. Everything clicked for Beccs with support runners in place and the passes mainly going to hand .... just a shame its the last game of the season and for most of the boys, also age grade rugby.
But what a way to go out, saving the best til last and with a trophy.

It has been a great pleasure coaching all the boys and girls in the early stages. Some of the team playing in the final having been with us since they were 6 years old. Those who have joined us along the journey and those who left have all made their mark and been an important part of this tight squad. Most still maintain contact, with some past players watching the game or joining us after, in celebration at Beccs.

Lastly on a personal note, it has been a journey over these years since I first stood on the side lines in 2003 watching tags being pulled from belts, to not stepping back fast enough and so becoming a coach to the U7s. Its not been easy at times but has always been enjoyable, being part of the Beccs and the wider rugby family. I would like to thank the parents who have been there helping, supporting us all the way. Also the coaches involved through this journey, Rod Grant, Steve Dennis, John Sexton, John Tomkins and lastly Dave Sweeting (Tasty) who was parachuted in as head coach at a difficult time and been with us for the last 10 years, directing and supporting the squad with passion - leaving us all with m.

Good luck to all in your future adventures.