Woodford 29 v Beccles 16

Following a couple of below par defeats in previous weeks, the Bulls travelled into Saturday’s fixture against Woodford with a few points to prove. With only 2 changes in the squad from last week and 2 well attended training sessions, an air of quiet optimism and confidence stirred about the squad and travelling fans.
The weather was perfect for running rugby and the game started with clear intent on the side of the visitors to move the ball through structured phases and play territory. The Bulls pack was rampant in the first 20 minutes and the home team had no answers to power or precision of set pieces or contested areas. Backed up by steely direct running from the returning duo of centres Sam Williamson and John Payne the pressure eventually led to 2 centre parked infringements by Woodford. Stuart Murray, the Bulls’ fullback stepped and duly slotted the both penalties to make the score a comfortable 6-0.
When the chips are down luck tends to go against you. One evil bounce of the ball saw a very ordinary down field clearing kick evade 2 Bulls and sit-up beautifully for the opposition backrower to fall over the try-line. Shortly after the same backrower charged down a clearing kick from Bulls’ fullback, collected and scored his second, much to the pleasure of the very large home crowd
Between these two chance tries, 2 penalties and a 40 yard drop-goal from evergreen Alan Cooper were shared, but again it was the Bulls whom were played all the rugby.
Half time score: Beccles 9-16 Woodford
While down on the score board the Bulls’ remained in confident mood following some positive words from Skipper Lake and Coach Ian Rees.
The second half started well with some great ball carrying from the Bulls pack, with brothers Danny and David Rix making some surging runs, with the back row trio of Maeer, Goode and Wilson working hard to keep the sharp Woodford flankers from turning the ball over.
Unexplainably the emphasis did swing the home teams way and they were able to break and open the second half scoring a well taken penalty.
For the next period of play Woodford dominated both possession and territory. The Bulls’ defence withheld repeated attacks with notable defensive efforts coming from backs Harmer, Hoffman, Murray and Davey-Durak. Credit to the home team and patience was finally rewarded with a well taken team try out wide.
Following the restart the Bulls found themselves back in the opposition 22 following a typical power-house run from Rob Wilson. This lifted the green-machine and the Bulls’ pack started dishing out some serious assault on the home pack. With B & B Skip Hire Man of the Match Peru Izuzquiza pulling the strings, Guntrip came up just short of the line, but it was Ling whom cut a great line of Cooper and burst through 9 tackles to score under the posts. Murray converted at speed knowing a Bulls converted try would steal the game.
Unfortunately it was Woodford whom had the last say in this match. With the large vocal crowd demanding a home victory and the Bulls’ throwing caution to the wind in seek of 7 pts, it was the opposition number 8 whom again influenced the game. A quick turn over and with numbers to burn the home team scored what was the best try of the game.
While another disappointing result, an enjoyable game that must provide the Bulls Management Team with a number of positives. The Bulls for 50 minutes played their best rugby of the season and exactly what was discussed and executed at training sessions.
However the question remains what happened in that middle 30 min where the opposition turned the game?, this will need to be discussed and worked on during the 4 training sessions.
This weeks cup opposition have conceded the fixture which means a weeks rest before the Bulls host league leaders Romford & Gidea Park on Saturday 22nd October.

Team
1. Ling
2. Lake
3. Rix Danny
4. Coleman
5. Rix David
6. Goode
7. Maeer
8. Willson
9. Izuzquiza
10. Cooper
11. Davey-Durak
12. Payne
13. Williamson
14. Hoffman
15. Murray
16. Guntrip
17. Harmer
18. Giddins