Beccles 11 v Enfield Ignatian 19

From the off, Enfield put pressure on the Beccles side and they were immediately rewarded with a penalty, which they converted, taking a 3-0 lead. Beccles responded well, with some big hits coming in from both Holmes and Rix. The home side soon found themselves in the opponents half. From a lineout, the ball was worked wide to Long who made a break down the line. Quick ball from the forwards allowed Cooper to feed Davey-Duruk, who finished well in the corner for the first try of the match. The try was unconverted.
Beccles continued to dominate in nearly all facets of the game. With Beccles camped in the opponents half, some tight forward play from Ling and Lake forced Enfield to concede a penalty. Wade stepped up and converted making the score 8-3. Beccles looked to be heading for a half time lead, until skipper Lake was questionably sin binned for descent. The one man advantage gave Enfield the space to cut through the Beccles defence, and looked to be heading for a certain try but Cooper covered well to break up the attack. Enfield continued to put pressure and again were rewarded with a penalty and a breakaway try in quick succession leaving the half time score 8-13.
The second half was a much more scrappy affair. Both sides struggled to string passages of play together and each were guilty of countless handling errors. The Beccles pack remained strong throughout the match, holding the scrums and dominating in the lineout. The backs continued to probe and play positive rugby causing their opponents to concede several penalties. But, Beccles failed to make the most of their opportunities with a string of missed kicks at goal.
Long and Vasey-Lark linked well but failed to break through the Enfield defence.
Enfield extended their lead further with another penalty giving them a 16-8 lead.
With the game coming a close Wade converted another penalty to bring Beccles within the valuable bonus point margin, however this was to be immediately nullified when Enfield replied another one of their own as the final whistle was blown. This made the final score 11-19.
Despite their recent results Beccles are improving week on week, putting in gutsy performances and are showing they can compete in this league. Beccles Skip Hire man of the match deservedly went to Holmes who led from the front throughout. Next week Beccles travel to local side Lowestoft in the final game of the year, all travelling support will be welcome.