Beccles gain points in rearranged fixture

The main Wisbech pitch was still unplayable due to flooding which led to the original postponement three weeks ago. Thanks to the efforts of Wisbech member’s surface water was cleared from their alternative pitch to enable the match to go ahead following a late inspection.

The Bulls were into their stride early with Chris Frost going over on the right flank after 5 minutes following some good handling in the three quarters. Luke Wade successfully converted. As the pitch started to cutup the big Beccles pack were able to gain ground close to the fringes of mauls and rucks. Good defence by open side Darren Maeer enjoying his first start of the season and the rampaging Ryan Guntrip prevented the home side establishing any patterns of play. Capitalising on field position skipper Reece Ling barrelled over from close range shortly followed by Rob Wilson covering 25 metres in a solo charge. Both tries were converted by Luke Wade giving Beccles a 21-0 half-time lead.

At the interval hard-working hooker Sean Lake was replaced by Danny Rix having failed to recover after being struck in an earlier off the ball incident. Wisbech raised their game and were pressing for a score when an early Beccles tackle lead to a flurry of punches being thrown in retaliation. Both teams were reduced to 14 men, Beccles for 10 minutes and Wisbech for the remaining half an hour as their forward received a red card. This was a brave and correct call by the referee who had established her control early in the match and had an excellent game.

Wisbech started to show signs of why they had been unbeaten at home for a year prior to the recent visit of league leaders Norwich. Their fly half kicked for position well and their rangy number eight became increasingly influential showing good link play. The Bulls line speed in defence was excellent with Luke Wade, John Hoffman and Sam Williamson cutting down any runner in the inside channels. After Beccles had cleared their lines the home side opted for quick lineouts to keep possession away from the dominant Beccles forwards. Keith Johnstone anticipated one such play producing the Bulls defensive hit of the season wrapping up the unfortunate receiver and driving him back 5 metres.

Beccles continued to push forward searching for a bonus point try however mistakes in the wet conditions and solid Wisbech defence thwarted them. Dillon Rowney tried to exploit gaps however struggled to get to grips with the surface. Coach Keith Rix entered the fray and provided scrum half Gav Hewitt with options to increase the tempo. After
several phases the Bulls made their way into the Wisbech 22. With 2 minutes to go Rob Wilson saw space from 20 metres out and proved unstoppable going over in trademark
style with three Wisbech defenders hanging off him. Luke Wade converted to round off a satisfying bonus point win which keeps Beccles in London Division Three NE contention. B&B Skips man of the match was Ryan Guntrip who continues to improve with each outing.