Beccles II 21 – 12 Norwich Medics I

Beccles travelled to second in the table Norwich Medics bolstered by the return from university for the Easter break of Calver, Hawkes and Yeowell. After winning the toss Beccles received the kick-off on a hot afternoon and with a large and vociferous crowd in attendance and drove into the Medics half were they managed to put together a few phases of play before they were awarded a penalty, which Hawkes slotted over for the lead. This early score appear to do more for the home side then it did the Beccles side, and Medics were now hitting the break downs with full commitment winnign and turning over ample ball. From a series of short drives the Medics pack drove over the score the first try of the match – the conversion was missed. From the kick off again the Medics took on the Beccles pack and it took a lot of effort from the back row of Bradford, Tipple and Maeer to contain them. From a line out 5 metres out the well drilled Medics pack set up a drive which Beccles were unable to halt and they score their second try to take a 12-3 lead (again the conversion was missed). Beccles were really on the back foot now, the driving play of the Medics pack, their well drilled lineout and their hard running backs were proving a real handful for the Beccles team. The midfield of Payne, Hall and Calver, and the back three of Yeowell, Fenn and Hawks were making some important tackles to keep the determined Medics at bay. The front five of Read, Pitts, Deruobaix, Guy and Berry were being made to toil in the heat, and Beccles were fortunate to go into half time only 12-3 behind.
Some strong words and subsitutions in the pack were made (Sutton, Holtzer and Jason Hewitt) and Beccles began the second half knowing they would have to raise the effort if they were in with a chance. From the start the Beccles pack had raised their intensity at the breakdown and was now dominating the possession. From a series of breaks up field from the backs and forwards, scrum-half Gavin Hewitt fed Payne out left, he immediately stepped back right beat two players and put Berry in for a well worked try (conversion was missed). From the restart Beccles were worked more territory into the Medics 22 and after a series of off-loads from Berry and Sutton; Pitts was on hand to drive over for another well worked team score (conversion missed) to lead 13-12. Beccles were dominating both territory and possession and were using it too good effect. A number of breaks from Calver and Hall were causing the Medics defence all sorts of problems and from one of his trade mark runs B & B Skips Man of the Match Robert Hall set up a ruck from which the ever-present Sutton took forward, quick ball from here led to Pitts scoring his second of the match (conversion missed).
Jason Hewitt picked up a knock and was replaced by Tyler making his debut for the club and Hogg came onto the right wing. Medics did get back into the game from a number of Beccles errors and were awarded a penalty which their kicker pushed wide of the left upright. There was just enough time for Beccles to drive into the Medics 22 where the impressive Maeer won a penalty from which Hawkes added the 3 points with the last kick of the match to round off an impressive 21-12 turn around.
Squad: Read, Deruobaix, Pitts, Bradford, Berry, Guy, Tipple, Maeer, G Hewitt, Payne, Hawkes, Hall, Calver, Yeowell, Fenn, Sutton, J Hewitt, Holtzer, Tyler, Hogg.

Beccles next match is this Saturday (30th March) at home to table toppers Norwich Lions 3pm KO
All support is welcome