30-Aug-08
06-Sep-08
13-Sep-08
20-Sep-08
H
H
H
H
Norwich
Haringey Rhinos
Billericay
Canvey Island
27-Sep-08
04-Oct-08
11-Oct-08
25-Oct-08
01-Nov-08
08-Nov-08
15-Nov-08
29-Nov-08
06-Dec-08
20-Dec-08
10-Jan-09
24-Jan-09
31-Jan-09
14-Feb-09
21-Feb-09
07-Mar-09
08-Mar-09
14-Mar-09
22-Mar-09
28-Mar-09
04-Apr-09
18-Apr-09
02-May-09
A
H
A
H
A
H
A
H
A
H
A
H
A
H
A
H
H
A
H
A
H
A
A
West Norfolk
Colchester
Upminister
Dagenham
Ipswich
Crusaders
Wymondham
S Woodham Fer
Basildon
Wymondham
Crusaders
Ipswich
Dagenham
Upminister
Colchester
West Norfolk
North Walsham
Canvey Island
Diss
Billericay
Basildon
S Woodham Fer
Southwold
lost 24 - 27
won 6 - 0
won 34 - 5
won 30 - 7
drew 12 12
lost 22 - 31
lost 30 - 7
won 20 -10
lost 8 - 3
won 17 -7
lost 21 - 16
won 7 - 0
lost 23 - 19
won 18 - 3
won 12 - 13
won 14 - 10
lost 15 - 14
won 13 - 9
won 18 - 22
won 46 - 8
won 17 10
lost 15 - 14
lost 17 - 34
lost 22 - 8
won 34 - 31
won 11 - 27
won 3 - 39
D. Rowney
M. Sale
S. Williamson
Tries
13
11
7
MOM
1
1
3
R. Wilson
C. Frost
J. Geyser
L. Wade
B. Vasey-Lark
S. Murray
C. Hinsley
D. Porter
R. Ling
C. Hall
D. Rix
J. Payne
P. Wilson
S. Lake
G. Hewitt
5
4
4
4
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
0
2
1
1
0
0
1
2
1
0
2
2
0
3
0
2
30th AUGUST
Beccles 24 – Norwich 27
Beccles RUFC started their 15 aside season with a squad match against a Norwich 2nd
team. Beccles were able to give about 30 players a good run out before the new season
and just lost 27-24 in a close game.
Beccles started with close to their strongest side. They soon had Norwich under pressure
and scored a try to take the lead. This was soon followed by a try for Rob Wilson from a
new penalty move. Before the end of the first quarter Norwich were able to pull a try
back.
Beccles changed their team for the second quarter and continued to play some good
rugby. The pacey Norwich backs began to find some space and added three tries before
half time.
In the third quarter Beccles again dominated and were awarded with another try when
Johnstone crashed through to score. Murray added the conversion. Norwich stretched
their lead at the start of the final quarter with another try. However, it was Beccles who
finished on top when Frost intercepted a pass and streaked away to score under the posts.
Murray added the conversion and this gave a final score of 27-24 in favour of Norwich.
6th SEPTEMBER
Beccles 6 – Haringey Rhinos 0
Beccles had a winning start to their competitive season with victory in EDF Energy
Senior Vase. They took on Haringey Rhinos and won a tight game by 6 – 0.
Haringey play at the same league level as Beccles, but in the London North West, so
Beccles were expecting a tight game. Beccles had a strong squad to choose from with
most players available.
The match started in heavy rain making ball handling difficult. Neither side could get on
top and dominate territory or possession early on. As the game progressed it was the
Beccles pack that began to take charge. Beccles began to spend longer in the oppositions
half and were eventually rewarded with a Murray penalty.
Beccles kept up their domination and they young players in the back line began to play
well together. Murray missed one penalty chance before adding another to make the half
time score 6 – 0.
Beccles turned in to the wind in the second half and managed to keep in the oppositions
half. They came close to scoring when a rampaging 50 yard run by Musker McIntyre man
of the match Paul Wilson was stopped short of the line.
Haringey began to apply some pressure as the clock ran down but the Beccles defence
was solid. Haringey were never able to create any clear cut scoring chances and the game
finished with the score still at 6 – 0.
Beccles start their league campaign on Saturday when they entertain Billericay at Beef
Meadow (KO 3pm). With three out of their first four games at home Beccles will be
looking for a good start to the season.
13th SEPTEMBER
Beccles 34 v Billericay 5
A Marcus Sale hatrick gave Beccles victory in their opening game in London Division 4
North East. A superb first half performance put Beccles on the way to winning the game
by 34 -5.
Beccles gave debuts to their two overseas players in this game. South African Justin
Geyser started at Number 8 and Australian Dillon Rowney came on in the second half at
fly-half. Both players looked like they will be excellent additions to the Beccles team.
Beccles started the game strongly with the pack on top. The Billericay line was under
pressure and was finally breached by scrum-half Sale. Murray added the conversion.
Beccles were well on top and another try soon followed. Paul Wilson was found well by
Lake at the lineout and the ball was fed of the top. The ball was passed straight to Rob
Wilson who crashed through three tackles to score under the posts.
Beccles continued to lay siege to the Billericay line and a number of drives towards the
line were finished of by Sale in the corner. A Musker McIntyre man of the match
performance from Sale was completed when he scored his third try under the posts. The
conversion was added and Beccles led at half time by 24 – 0.
Beccles started the second half poorly and Billericay were able to get on the score sheet
with a try. However, as the half went on Beccles began to take control again with a
Murray penalty. Porter replaced Lake at hooker and was soon rewarded with a try as he
cut back through the defence to score. The conversion was added to complete the scoring,
with the game finishing 34 – 5 in favour of Beccles.
Beccles are at home again on Saturday when the host Canvey Island. They will be
looking to continue their winning start to the season.
20th SEPTMEBER
Beccles 30 – Canvey Island 7
Beccles went to the top of London Division 4 North-east with a convincing win over
Canvey Island. A strong finish to the game, with three quick tries, saw Beccles win by 30
– 7.
With Rob Wilson unavailable after becoming a father during the week Holtzer came in
at prop. Rowney made his first start at fly-half, with Payne moving to centre.
The start of the game was very tight but Beccles began to get on top in the set pieces.
Neither team could score any points early on with Beccles having the best chances. The
first Beccles try came from a turnover in the Beccles half. Musker McIntyre man of the
match Geyser broke with the ball and fed Frost who sprinted clear to touch down.
Beccles kept pressing but came up against some organised Canvey defence. However,
they did manage to add a Murray penalty before half time. The teams turned around with
Beccles leading 8 – 0.
The start of the second half was similar to the first with neither team able to score. This
changed when Rix was harshly sent to the sin bin. Canvey took advantage straight away
when they went over for a converted try. Canvey threw everything they had at Beccles
after this but the Beccles defence held firm with a succession of big tackles.
Beccles weathered the storm and began to break out of defence. They increased their
lead with a Murray penalty before Murray cut through the Canvey defence to score out
wide.
Beccles were well on top now and began to add some points. Rowney cut back against
the defence through a gap and went over under the posts. Sale then pounced on some
loose ball to go clear though the middle and sprint clear to score. Murray converted both
of these tries to give a final score of 30 – 7.
This has been a good start to the season for Beccles and they will hope to continue this
form when they travel to West Norfolk on Saturday.
27th SEPTMEBER
West Norfolk 12 v Beccles 12
Beccles came close to winning away at West Norfolk before two late penalties saw the
game end in a draw. Beccles raced in to an early lead before being pegged back, with the
final score being 12 – 12.
Beccles started the game strongly and put West Norfolk on the back foot. They were
soon in front. Beccles won a line out and the ball was fed straight to Rob Wilson. The
defence opened up in front of him and he coasted over for a try. Murray added the
conversion.
The next Beccles try came from their own half. Some good pressure on the West Norfolk
backs saw them spill the ball. Musker McIntyre man of the match Frost hacked on and
won the race to touch down in the corner. Murray missed a difficult conversion and
Beccles led 12 – 0 .
West Norfolk upped their efforts in front of a noisy home crowd. Beccles kept
conceding penalties which enabled to the opposition to dominate territory and possession.
Murray was sent to the sin bin towards the end of the first half and West Norfolk scored
from the resulting penalty. They were able to add another penalty to give a half time
score of 6 – 12.
The second half was scrappy with a lot of stops in play. Beccles continued to be
penalised and this gave West Norfolk a lot of opportunity to attack. However, the Beccles
defence was superb and West Norfolk never looked like crossing the Beccles try line.
As the game moved in to the last ten minutes Beccles were down a player again, this
time Hinsley was in the sin bin. West Norfolk were battering the Beccles defence but the
defence was solid. Twice West Norfolk had a scrum right on the Beccles line and twice
the Beccles pack, a man down, drove them back and won the ball against the head.
West Norfolk could not cross the Beccles line but their fly-half was kicking well. He
added a penalty to bring them within three points. With minutes remaining West Norfolk
attacked out wide. The attack was brought to a halt with some good tackling and it
seemed a knock on had occurred. However, the referee gave a penalty against Beccles
and this was converted to leave the scores tied.
The Beccles players were disappointed to be held to a draw but this was a good result as
it is difficult to get any away points in this league. This week Beccles entertain
Colchester with the first VP’s lunch of the season before the game.
4th OCTOBER
Beccles 22 – Colchester 31
For the second week in a row Beccles played in a top of the table clash. They kicked off
against a strong wind and after good work by the forwards, were rewarded with an early
try with Hinsley breaking off a maul to score.
Colchester soon took control with some good attacking play by the backs and aggresive
rucking from the forwards and managed 2 tries to give a half-time score of 5-14.
As the second half began, Beccles started to exert pressure of their own with strong runs
from centre Wilson, before moving to his usual position of prop. However, 2 further
break-away tries from Colchester increased their lead.
With time running out, Beccles finally started to play to their true ability and began to
stage a comeback. Tries from Geyser, Sale and a second for Hinsley soon followed.
It was looking like more points would follow but sadly time was against them and the
final whistle blew with the score at 22-31.
Beccles next game is away to Upminster where they will hope to return to winning
ways.
11th OCTOBER
Upminster 30 v Beccles 7
Beccles put in a poor performance away at Upminster and were well beaten. Beccles
never recovered from conceding early tries and lost by 30 – 7.
Beccles travelled with a strong squad and started the game well. An early break by
Rowney was halted just short of the line. Beccles dominated territory but Upminster were
defending well. They scored three tries in the first half after mistakes by Beccles players.
Beccles continued to dominate territory in the second half but couldn’t make the
breakthrough. With twenty minutes to go Beccles got on the score sheet. A good backs
move saw Wade cut though the defence to score under the posts. With Beccles sensing a
comeback he quickly added the conversion.
Beccles continued to press with Musker McIntyre man of the match Paul Wilson
carrying the ball well. Upminster managed to break out of defence and add two penalties
and as Beccles pushed for points as the match drew to an end and Upminster were able to
add another try. This gave a final score of 30 -7.
Beccles will be hoping to bounce back from this poor performance when they take on
Saffron Walden in the second round of the EDF cup on Saturday. This will be a tough
with Beccles travelling to a side that are in the league above them.
25th OCTOBER
Beccles 20 v Dagenham 10
Beccles got back to winning ways with a home victory against Dagenham. In a hard
fought encounter Beccles were victorious by 20 – 10.
Beccles were missing Rob Wilson and Hinsley, they were replaced by Holtzer and
Porter. In the backs New Zealander Williamson was given his first team debut at centre.
He played well throughout the game, tackling well and making breaks and was made the
Musker McIntyre man of the match.
Beccles started the game well and were soon in front. Some good passing along the
backline saw Wade feed Murray who went over in the corner. Wade added the
conversion.
Beccles continued to play well and some good tackling lead to a breakaway by Beccles.
Holtzer was stopped just short of the line but fed the ball up off the floor to Payne who
touched down for the second Beccles try.
Dagenham began to play some good rugby. They put pressure on Beccles. After two
missed penalty attempts the visitors managed a try in the corner. This was unconverted
and the half time score was 12 – 5.
Beccles scored first after the break. Rowney jinked his way through the defence and
crossed for a try. Wade missed the conversion but soon added a penalty to stretch the
Beccles lead.
Beccles took their foot of the gas and allowed Dagenham back in to the game with
another try in the corner. Dagenham pressed for more points but the Beccles defence was
solid and the game finished with the score 20 – 10 in the favour of Beccles.
Beccles travel to Ipswich on Saturday to take on one of the teams that were relegated to
this league last year. This should prove a tough test but Beccles will be looking for their
first away win of the year.
1st NOVEMBER
Ipswich 8 v Beccles 3
Beccles put in an excellent performance away at Ipswich but were just beaten. In a game
played in dreadful weather conditions Beccles took the lead but could not hold on and
were beaten by 8 – 3.
Beccles travelled to play Ipswich in a league game for the first time in their history.
Ipswich has always been a big club and have been playing at a lot higher level until
recently.
The game was played in driving rain which made handling difficult. A fired up set of
Beccles players started the game well. Beccles disrupted the game superbly outcompeting their opposition at the breakdown. This effort was lead by the Musker
McIntyre man of the match David Rix.
Beccles took the lead after they won a penalty from a dangerous tackle on Williamson.
Wade stood up and slotted the penalty from long range.
Beccles were defending well but a break away from a loose ball allowed Ipswich to
score. The break was stopped just short of the line but when the ball was recycled
Ipswich had numbers and scored in the corner. The conversion was missed and the half
time score was 5 – 3.
Beccles continued to fight well in the second half. They were competing well in the
lineout and dominating in the scrum. As the half wore on Beccles found it harder and
harder to get out of their own half. The Beccles defence was good and Ipswich could only
add a penalty despite having a lot of territory and possession.
A few attacking opportunities were lost with handling difficult in the wet weather and
Beccles could not come back and the final score was 8 – 3.
Beccles were happy with their performance. They pushed Ipswich very close and with a
bit more luck could have turned over a big club. This week Beccles face Crusaders at
home in the league. There is a VP’s lunch before this local derby with the game kicking
off at 2:30.
8th NOVEMBER
Beccles 17 v Crusaders 7
Beccles were victorious in their local derby with Crusaders and moved up to fifth in the
league. In a well contested game Beccles won by 17 to 7.
Beccles were missing three of their backs for this game with Payne, Rowney and Sale
all unavailable. These were replaced by Hall, Gedney and Catchpole.
Beccles started the game well and were soon in front. Williamson made a break from
the half way line and cut through the Crusaders defence. He passed to Hoffman who was
able to offload out of the tackle to Geyser who scored in the corner. The conversion was
missed.
Beccles continued to dominate the game. They missed one penalty attempt before they
scored again. Rob Wilson took a crash ball and went straight through the Crusaders
defence. He crossed the line for a try despite the attentions of three Crusaders tacklers.
Wade added the conversion and the half time score was 12 – 0.
Beccles turned round in to the wind and with Crusaders starting to play some good
rugby they found it difficult to get out of their half. Crusaders were dominating territory
but the Beccles defence was solid. The forwards, led by Musker McIntyre man of the
match David Rix, were carrying the ball out of defence well to relieve the pressure.
When Beccles managed to get in their opponents half they added to the score. Some
good pressure as Crusaders tried to clear their lines saw Johnstone charge down a kick
behind the try line. The ball went loose and Lake was able to drop on it for a try.
As the game moved in to the final minutes Crusaders began to put more pressure on the
Beccles defence. They were rewarded with a pushover try from a scrum. This concluded
the scoring and the match finished 17 – 7.
Beccles travel to Wymondham on Saturday for another local derby. They will be
looking for another victory to continue their climb up the league.
15th NOVEMBER
Wymondham 21 v Beccles 16
Beccles lost to a try in the last play of the game when they travelled to Wymondham on
Saturday. In a game where the lead was constantly changing hands Beccles ended up on
the losing side by 21 points to 16.
Beccles started the game poorly and conceded a lot of penalties. One of these was
converted to put Wymondham in to the lead. Wymondham continued to press but when
Beccles cleared their lines Rowney was on hand to collect the loose ball and sprint under
the posts for a try to Beccles. Wade added the conversion.
Beccles continued to leak penalties and Wymondham converted another to bring the
score back to 6 – 7. They then scored an unconverted try to go in to the lead.
Beccles had Sale sent to the sinbin but seemed to up their game when down to 14 men.
They began to put more pressure on the Wymondham defence and were rewarded with a
penalty which Wade slotted to give a half time score of 11 -10 in favour of Wymondham.
Beccles played better in the second half and soon went in to the lead through another
Wade penalty. Beccles were up against it in the second half with two players sent to the
sinbin at different times. This meant Hall, who started the game at flanker, ended up
spending time playing at scrumhalf and centre as well. He played well in each position
and was made the Musker McIntyre man of the match.
Wymondham went back in front with a penalty but with ten minutes to go Beccles
regained the lead with another penalty from Wade. Wymondham put pressure on Beccles
and with the Beccles clearance kicks going straight in to touch the action was pinned in
the Beccles half. The Beccles defence was solid but with time nearly up Wymondham
were awarded a penalty which they took quickly and crashed over for a try. The
conversion was added and the referee blew the whistle for full time.
Beccles were disappointed with this result. They had battled hard and lost the two points
right at the end of the game. They now have a week off before they take on South
Woodham at Beef Meadow.
29th NOVEMBER
Beccles 7 v South Woodham Ferrers 0
Beccles were victorious against the team placed second in the table at Beef Meadow. In
a game played in very difficult conditions Beccles beat South Woodham Ferrers by 7 – 0.
This game had already been postponed once due to a waterlogged pitch and it was close
to being cancelled again. It went ahead on a very wet pitch with driving rain the whole of
the game.
Beccles had a strong side out with Hinsley, Rix, Wilson and Payne all returning to the
starting line up. The game didn’t start well however when Beccles lost Williamson to a
hamstring injury early on. He was replaced by Dyer.
It was hard to put any continuous play together in the conditions but Beccles were on
top in the scrum and the lineout. Beccles played in to the wind in the first half and did
well to contain the opposition.
As the half wore on Beccles began to dominate territory and eventually the pressure
told. A good driving scrum from the forwards put Beccles on the front foot and Payne
was able to feed Murray who went over for the try. Wade added a good conversion.
Beccles created two penalty opportunities before half time but they were both missed
and the half time score was 7 – 0.
Beccles had the wind in the second half and were able to clear their lines more easily.
South Woodham upped their game and Beccles had to battle hard to keep them out. The
Beccles pack scrapped well for loose ball on the ground lead by Musker McIntyre man of
the match Hall. The opposition had few scoring chances and Beccles were able to see out
the game with no points being scored in the second half.
Beccles entertain Wymondham on Saturday looking to avenge the defeat of a few weeks
ago. There is a VP Lunch before the game and anybody interested in going should
contact Nick Beese.
6th DECEMBER
Basildon 23 v Beccles 19
Beccles took an inexperienced side down to Basildon and were unlucky not to come
away with a victory. Beccles led for a lot of the second half before losing the game by 23
to 19.
With some of the more experienced players unavailable Beccles started with some of
the younger players in the squad. This meant starts for Holtzer, Porter and Hewitt in the
pack.
The game was tight to start off with and neither side were able to create chances. In the
end it was Basildon who took the lead with a converted try. Beccles soon struck back
when Wade stepped his way though the defence to score under the posts. He converted
his own try.
Basildon went back in to the lead with a penalty but Beccles scored again just before
half time. A quickly taken drop-out by Williamson was chased up by Rowney. He
managed to get his boot to the loose ball and chased his own kick. He scooped up the ball
and sprinted clear under the posts for a try. Wade added the conversion and the half time
score was 10 – 14.
Beccles started the second half well and soon scored again. Frost cut in from the wing
and when the ball was recycled quickly Williamson fed Rowney who dived in at the
corner.
Basildon began to come back in to the game and scored two tries through their number
8. This put them in to the lead by one point. Beccles pushed hard for a score but could not
penetrate the Basildon defence. As the game moved towards the end Basildon were able
to add a drop goal to extend their lead. This gave a final score of 23 – 19.
This was a good performance from Beccles with the young players doing well. In
particular Gavin Hewitt put in an excellent performance on his first start for the first
team. He was made the Musker McIntyre man of the match.
This week Beccles entertain South Woodham Ferrers in a rearranged fixture. The team
will be looking to keep up their excellent home record with another victory.
20th DECEMBER
Beccles 18 v Wymondham 3
Beccles got revenge for a narrow away defeat by beating Wymondham at Beef Meadow
on Saturday. Beccles dominated their opposition and won by 18 -3.
Beccles had a full squad to pick from and started the game well. They were soon on top
and a Wade penalty put them in to the lead. Wymondham started playing some good
rugby and added a penalty of their own to tie the game.
The Beccles pack was dominant in the scrum and Wymondham hardly won a clean ball
all day. Beccles managed to turn them over on a number of occasions. After a number of
scrums on the Wymondham line the ball went to Rix who powered over for the opening
try. Wade added the conversion and the half time score was 10 – 3.
After the half time interval Beccles continued to dominate territory. When Wade took
on a long range penalty he pushed it just wide. Wymondham failed to catch the ball and
Williamson following up was unlucky to be adjudged to have touched the ball down just
beyond the dead ball line.
This was soon rectified when a good backs move saw Williamson put in the clear. He
chipped the ball over the last defender and collected the ball to score. He was made the
Musker McIntyre man of the match. Wade missed the conversion but soon added another
penalty to further stretch the lead.
With Wymondham more than two scores behind Beccles shut the game down. They
made Wymondham work hard to get out of their own half and didn’t give them any
scoring opportunities. No more points were added and the game finished at 18 – 3 in the
favour of Beccles.
Beccles now sit fifth in the league going in to the New Year. They are just 3 points
behind the promotion places and will be looking to challenge the top sides. This will start
when they travel to Crusaders on the 10th of January.
10th JANUARY
Crusaders 12 v Beccles 13
Beccles narrowly beat Crusaders to move up to 4th in London Division 4 North-east. A
try with the last play of the game saw Beccles win 13 -12.
Beccles have been without a coach this season. In December Ian Rees came to the club
to coach the team and since then Beccles have won three games in a row.
Beccles were able to field a near full strength team. On the bench Sale returned after a
month playing in Portugal and Veasey Lark came in to the first team squad for the first
time.
Beccles started the game poorly and Crusaders soon punished some weak Beccles
tackling to score a converted try. Beccles got their act together and began to camp in the
Crusaders half. After a period of pressure the ball was fed down the line to Williamson
who cut through the tacklers to score. Murray missed the conversion but soon added a
penalty to put Beccles in to the lead.
Beccles continued to press but the Crusaders winger managed to intercept a loose pass
and had a free run in to score. The conversion was missed. Beccles played out the rest of
the half in the Crusaders half but couldn’t add to their score. This gave a half time score
of 12 – 8.
Crusaders started the second half well and put Beccles under pressure. The Beccles
defence was solid and Crusaders couldn’t find a way through.
Beccles began to dominate territory and possession as the half went on and were looking
for a try to win the game. The backs were looking dangerous led by Musker McIntyre
man of the match Rowney.
Time was running out and Beccles still hadn’t scored. A number of drives by the
forwards took Beccles close to the line. The ball was quickly recycled and some quick
passing down the line put Geyser free to crash over for the score and put Beccles in to the
lead. Murray shaved the wrong side of the post with a difficult conversion attempt and
the referee blew the final whistle with Beccles winning by 13 – 12.
Beccles entertain Ipswich on Saturday and they will be looking to reverse the narrow
defeat they suffered at Ipswich earlier in the season. A win would put Beccles right up
their with a chance of promotion. There is a VP lunch before the game and the players
will be hoping for a big crowd (Kick off 2:15).
24th JANUARY
Beccles 14 v Ipswich 10
Beccles had their first ever victory over Ipswich when they defeated them at Beef
Meadow on Saturday. Beccles put in their best performance of the season to win by 14 –
10.
Beccles captain Ling was injured so Murray took over as captain. With Lake also
missing Porter and Rix moved in to the front row. Hall moved in to the back row with
Sale at scrum half.
Beccles had the worst possible start when Murray had a clearing kick charged down in
the first minute and Ipswich scored a converted try. After this Beccles began to battle
back in to the game.
Ipswich were struggling to win clean ball as the Beccles players were not giving their
opposition time on the ball. After an altercation between the scrum halves Sale was sent
to the sin bin and his opposite number was shown a red card.
Beccles kept their opposition pinned in their own half and the pressure soon told with
Wade kicking a penalty. This gave a half time score of 3 – 7.
Early in the second half Wade added another penalty to further cut the deficit. However
Ipswich were able to add a penalty of their own with Rix in the sin bin.
Beccles began to throw all they had at the Ipswich defence. Wilson stole an Ipswich
lineout and carried the ball over half way. The ball went out to the back and Rowney
launched a well weighted up and under. Musker McIntyre man of the match Williamson
chased the kick and pulled off a miraculous catch and sprinted clear to score. Wade just
missed the conversion but Beccles were one point in front.
There was only four minutes left for Beccles to hold out. Ipswich came hard at Beccles
and forced a penalty in front of the posts. However, the Ipswich kicker pushed the
attempt just wide. From the clearing Beccles kick the ball went loose and Rix was able to
hack the ball deep in to the Ipswich half. With Ipswich scrambling in defence they
conceded a penalty in front of the posts. Wade stood up and smashed the ball between the
posts to give Beccles a historic victory by 14 – 10.
Beccles are now up to third in the league just one point behind Ipswich in the promotion
places. Beccles will need to make it five wins in a row when they travel to Dagenham on
Saturday to keep up their promotion hopes.
31st JANUARY
Dagenham 15 v Beccles 14
Beccles had their longest away trip of the season on Saturday and were beaten by one
point. A penalty in the last minute meant that Beccles lost the game 15 – 14.
Beccles started well in the first half and kept Dagenham in their own half. Beccles were
counter-attacking well, with Musker McIntyre man of the match Murray putting in some
good runs from fullback. Beccles kept the pressure on and Wade was able to kick three
penalties, the last of which was an excellent strike from long distance.
Dagenham upped their game in the final five minutes before half time and were able to
add a penalty of their own. This gave a half time score of 3 – 9.
Dagenham added another penalty before Beccles scored the only try of the game.
Williamson made a break in midfield before passing to Veasey-Lark on the 22. He
sprinted clear to score his first try for the first team. The conversion was missed and
Beccles led 14 – 6.
Dagenham came back at Beccles cheered on by their supporters. They began to spend
more time in the Beccles half. A penalty and a drop goal brought them back within 2
points of Beccles.
With ten minutes left Geyser was red carded for a late challenge and Dagenham poured
forward looking for the win. Beccles held out until the last minute when Dagenham were
awarded a penalty in front of the posts. They converted it and quickly cleared the restart
in to touch to seal the win.
14th FEBRUARY
Beccles 13 v Upminster 9
With this game the only one to survive the weather at the weekend Beccles moved up to
third in the table with victory over Upminster. Despite not playing to their full potential
Beccles hung on to a 13 – 9 victory.
Beccles started the game well and had a number of attacks at the opposition line. They
eventually opened the scoring with a try. Beccles drove the ball from the lineout and were
held up just short of the line. Scrum-half Sale peeled of the back and crashed over for a
try. Wade added a good conversion to put Beccles 7 points up.
Upminster opened their account with a penalty before Wade restored the lead with a
penalty of his own. This gave a half time score of 10 – 3.
Upminster upped their game in the second half and put Beccles under pressure. They
reduced the gap to one point with two penalties. After this both sides had chances to
score. The Beccles defence was excellent lead by Musker McIntyre man of the match
Hinsley. Beccles won two long range penalties in quick succession. Wade pushed the
first just wide but slotted the second to increase the lead.
There was only five minutes left and Upminster were battering the Beccles line. The
Beccles defence was solid helped by three huge tackles from Williamson. Upminster
couldn’t score and the final score was 13 – 9.
Beccles travel to leaders Colchester on Saturday looking to avenge their only home
defeat of the season so far.
21st FEBRUARY
Colchester 18 vs Beccles 22
Beccles put in an awesome performance to become the first team to win at league
leaders Colchester on Saturday. Beccles got revenge for their only home defeat so far this
year by winning by 18 – 22.
Colchester started the game well and had Beccles under pressure early on. Paul Wilson
was sent to the sin bin and Colchester went in to the lead with a penalty. Beccles held out
with 14 men and then were able to reply with a penalty of their own from Wade.
Beccles began to show some attacking threat and managed to score with half time
approaching. From a quick penalty Paul Wilson crashed the ball up in midfield. It was
recycled quickly and Rowney cut between two defenders and fed Porter who went over
for the try. The conversion was added by Wade.
It was nearly half time but Beccles still had time for another try. Colchester took a quick
lineout but good pressure by the Beccles backs caused the ball to fall loose in the middle
of the park. Hinsley got his boot to the ball and Rowney sprinted clear. He hacked on and
picked up to touch down under the posts. Wade added the conversion and Beccles lead at
half time by 17 – 3.
Colchester started the second half well and soon scored a try. This was converted to
bring them within 7 points of Beccles. Beccles soon replied with a score to stretch their
lead again. Sale broke down the blind side from a scrum and passed to Wade on the wing.
Wade chipped over the last defender and Sale collected the ball to score out wide.
There was fifteen minutes left and Colchester started to throw everything they had at
Beccles to preserve their unbeaten home record. Colchester scored to bring them within
seven. Hall was then sent to the sinbin and Beccles were stuck in defence.
All of the Beccles players kept knocking down the attackers and Colchester couldn’t
find a way through. Murray was also sent to the sin bin and Colchester scored a penalty.
For the last two minutes Beccles were trapped right on their try line but their defence was
excellent and the opposition couldn’t find a way through. The referee blew the final
whistle with the final score at 18 – 22.
This was a superb performance by the team with all of the players performing well.
Therefore the whole team were jointly awarded the Musker McIntyre man of the match
award.
7th MARCH
Beccles 46 vs West Norfolk 8
Beccles pulled off their biggest win of the season to keep up their promotion challenge
at Beef Meadow on Saturday. Beccles played some of their best rugby to win by 46 – 8.
Beccles had one of their best starts to a game of the season when they scored an early
try. After a ruck on the 22 Sale sneaked down the blindside to canter over untouched.
Wade added the conversion and slotted a penalty from close to the halfway line soon
after. West Norfolk replied with a penalty of their own.
Beccles had the West Norfolk defence under pressure and turnover ball led to
Williamson sprinting clear to score in the corner. Wade added a superb conversion from
the touchline.
Beccles soon added another try. Fly-half Rowney collected the ball deep inside his own
half. He chipped over the defence and collected his own kick. He then sprinted clear to
score under the post. The conversion was added by Wade.
Beccles had time to add one more try in the first half. This came from the best move of
the match. Good clean lineout was won by the forwards and passed out to Geyser. He
crashed through the defence and then fed Wade who went over under the posts. Wade
converted his own try to give a half time score of 31 – 3.
Beccles found it more difficult to score in the second half as the opposition upped their
game. They did manage to add two more tries to stretch the lead. The first try came when
Beccles had the opposition pinned back on their own line. Some good counter-rucking by
Hinsley and Johnstone saw the ball come loose and Paul Wilson picked up to touch
down.
The second try of the half came when Rowney picked up loose ball and danced round
the West Norfolk defenders to score under the posts. Wade added the conversion to
complete the Beccles scoring.
West Norfolk rallied and put together a late try from a driven maul, which was
immediately followed by the final whistle.
This was a good all round performance by Beccles with everyone playing well. The
performance of Porter stood out and he was made the Musker McIntyre man of the
match.
Beccles travel to Canvey Island on Saturday and will need a win to keep up their push
for promotion. They still sit in third place just one point behind the promotion places.
8th MARCH
Beccles 17 v North Walsham 10
Beccles put in their second big performance of the weekend to progress to the final of
the Norfolk Cup. Despite playing two games in two days Beccles put together a good
performance to win by 17 -10.
Beccles only made two changes from their win over West Norfolk on the Saturday.
Payne came in for Hoffman and Hall came in for Porter.
North Walsham started the game well and put the Beccles line under pressure. After a
number of attacks missed tackles in the Beccles line meant Walsham scored under the
posts. The try was converted to increase the lead.
Beccles came back strongly and reduced the deficit with a Wade penalty. The North
Walsham hooker was then sent to the sin bin for illegal use of the boot and Beccles
looked to take advantage. Beccles managed to go ahead with a try. Rowney fed Geyser
who broke through the defensive line. He fed the ball back to Rowney who put
Williamson in the clear to score under the posts. Wade added the conversion.
Beccles were well on top and soon added to their scoring. Geyser again broke through
the defence and fed Rowney who sprinted clear to score. Wade was on target again and
the half time score was 17 – 7.
Walsham upped their game at the start of the second half and reduced the deficit with a
penalty. For the rest of the half Walsham had Beccles under pressure but the Beccles
defence was superb. The Beccles pack was dominating the scrum and won ball against
the head on a number of occasions. The Beccles tacklers kept knocking back the
Walsham attackers and they could find no way through.
There was no further score in the game and Beccles celebrated a victory over a team
placed three leagues above them. No single player could be picked out as the man of the
match so the whole team was made the Musker McIntyre man of the match.
Beccles now face Diss in the final at Beef Meadow on the 22nd of March (KO 3:00).
There will be a VP’s lunch before the game and with limited places tickets are going fast.
Contact Nick Beese if you are interested.
14th MARCH
Canvey Island 15 vs Beccles 14
The Beccles promotion hopes took a big blow on Saturday when they were narrowly
beaten by Canvey Island. A late Canvey try saw them win by one point by 15 -14.
The game started badly for Beccles and before they had even had a decision go their
way they had conceded two unconverted tries to give Canvey a ten point lead.
Beccles began to battle their way back in to the game and put pressure on their
opposition. They forced a long range penalty opposition which was just missed. As the
half neared the end Beccles did mange to get on the score sheet. Beccles took a quick
penalty on the 22 and the ball was fed wide. The ball found its way to Veasey-Lark who
crossed for a try. Wade added a long range conversion and the half time score was 10 – 7.
Beccles started the second half well and soon went in to the lead. Geyser carried the ball
from a scrum and fed Rowney who showed good strength to force his way over under the
posts. Wade added the conversion and Beccles were in the lead.
Canvey Island, like Beccles, had won seven of their last eight games and stepped up
their efforts to keep their run going. The Beccles defence came under more and more
pressure. Hewitt was introduced by Beccles and he put in an excellent performance
stealing line outs and turning over ball. He was made the Musker McIntyre man of the
match.
The game was drawing to the end and Beccles were camped on their own line. Their
desperate defence was leading to a number of penalties and Rob Wilson paid the price
when he was shown the yellow card.
In the end the Canvey pressure told and they managed to force their way over for a try.
The conversion was missed but Beccles only had seconds left and could not retrieve the
ball from the kick off and Canvey cleared to win the game 15 – 14.
Beccles host the Norfolk Cup final on Sunday when they take on Diss. After their
impressive win over North Walsham in the semis Beccles will be looking to repeat the
performance against higher league Diss and win this cup for the first time since 1975.
The game kicks off at 3:00 in what promises to be an excellent afternoon of rugby.
22nd MARCH
Beccles 17 vs Diss 34
Despite a brave performance Beccles were beaten in the final of the Norfolk Cup on
Sunday. Beccles led at half time but two late tries by Diss saw them win by 34 – 17.
Beccles were able to field their strongest team and they were led out by captain Ling in
front of a 500 strong crowd. The crowd supported Beccles excellently all afternoon and
the players would like to thank them for their support.
The start Diss made to the game showed why they are currently flying high in London
Division 2, two leagues above Beccles. Their pack were driving the ball well from the
lineout and they had soon scored a converted try and three penalties to go in to 16-0 lead.
Beccles began to play their way in to the game with their front five beginning to get on
top of their opposition. From a Diss scrum on their own line Beccles put them under
pressure and turned over the ball. Geyser was driven over the line by Musker McIntyre
man of the match Hinsley for a try.
Beccles soon scored again after a number of drives at the line. The ball went out to Sale
who dummied the winger to touchdown in the corner. With Beccles well on top they
rounded the half off with another score. The ball went loose at the back of the lineout and
Hall reacted fastest to score. Wade added the conversion and Beccles led at half time by
17 – 16.
Diss started the second half well but could not find a way through the Beccles defence.
It took them twenty minutes to get through for a converted try to go in to the lead. Diss
were lucky not to go down to fourteen men after a tackle after the whistle by one of their
players. To make matters worse Beccles were reduced to fourteen men soon after when
Rob Wilson was yellow carded for a similar offence.
The extra player gave Diss the opportunity they needed to close the game out and scored
two more tries as Beccles began to chase the game. This gave a final score of 17 – 34.
The Beccles players were disappointed with the result but can take heart as they
matched their higher league opposition for long periods of the game. Beccles travel to
Billericay on Saturday and need to win to keep up their slight chance of promotion.
28th MARCH
Billericay 22 vs Beccles 8
Beccles faint promotion hopes were ended after a poor performance saw them lose away
at Billericay on Saturday. The Beccles performance was not up to the levels of recent
weeks and they were beaten by 22 – 8.
Beccles started the game slowly and two mistakes saw them losing 12 – 0 after 20
minutes when they let in two sloppy tries. Beccles were playing in to the wind and up the
hill and began to battle their way back in to the game to give themselves a chance in the
second half.
After a period of improved Beccles play Beccles cam up with a try. A penalty was
kicked to the corner by Murray and Paul Wilson rose well in the lineout to take the ball.
The pack drove the ball towards the line and Ling was able to touch down for his first try
of the season. This gave a half time score of 12 – 5.
Beccles turned round at half time confident they could use the elements to their
advantage and win the game. They played the game in their opponents half and reduced
the deficit with a penalty from Wade.
The penalty was soon cancelled out when Billericay added a penalty of their own.
Beccles tried to get back in the game but kept making mistakes which interrupted the
flow of their play. As time ran out it was Billericay who added another try which saw
them win the game 22 – 8.
Beccles face Basildon at Beef Meadow on Saturday in their last home game of the
season. There is a VP lunch before the game so a good crowd will be expected to see if
Beccles can win their final home game and secure their highest ever finish.
4th APRIL
Beccles 34 vs Basildon 31
Beccles left it to the last play of the game to beat a committed Basildon side at Beef
Meadow on Saturday. Beccles scored 26 points in the last fifteen minutes to win by 34 –
31.
Basildon are currently in a relegation battle and their desperation for the points showed
early on when they put together some excellent rugby. They kept the ball alive well and
some unusually weak Beccles defending let them in for three early tries to put them in to
a 19 - 0 lead.
In the last ten minutes of the first half Beccles began to play some rugby of their own. A
long range Wade penalty got them on the score sheet. This was soon followed by a try.
The forwards drove the ball towards the line and then the ball was fed wide to Wade who
went over in the corner. This gave a half time score of 19 – 8.
Beccles started the second half poorly and two Basildon tries further increased their
lead. Beccles were now 23 points behind with fifteen minutes left. However, the big
Basildon forwards were starting to tire which created space for the Beccles runners. Rob
and Paul Wilson in particular were carrying the ball well and they were both made the
Musker McIntyre man of the match.
Beccles began their comeback when Sale took a quick penalty and cut over under the
posts to score. Wade added the conversion. Next the forwards and backs linked well to
put Veasey-Lark in the corner to score.
There was just two minutes left when Rob Wilson smashed his way through the
Basildon defence and rounded the fullback to score. Wade added the conversion to put
Beccles four points behind. There was only just time for the restart and Beccles had to
keep the ball alive. Sub Hewitt took a quick penalty to put Basildon on the back foot.
When the ball was fed out along the line Geyser was able to put Rowney in the clear and
he sprinted to dive in at the corner. Wade added an excellent long range conversion to
seal the win by 34 – 31.
Despite struggling early on Beccles never gave up and finished their last home game of
the season only having been beaten once at Beef Meadow. Beccles travel to South
Woodham Ferrers in two weeks for their final league game of the season. The winner of
the game will be guaranteed third place in the league so Beccles will be looking for a big
performance to finish off an excellent season.
18th APRIL
South Woodham Ferrers 11 vs Beccles 27
Beccles finished their best ever season with victory away at South Woodham Ferrers.
Beccles moved up to finish third in the league as they won the game 11 – 27.
The previous best finish for Beccles was 6th two seasons ago. Beccles travelled to South
Woodham Ferrers, who started the day in third place, knowing a win would see them
overtake their opposition. Beccles had a full squad to select from and were able to field
their best side.
Beccles made a good start to the game and were soon in front from a well struck Wade
penalty. They then scored the first try of the game. The pack won a turnover in their own
half and the ball was quickly fed out to Williamson. He cut through the defence and
sprinted clear of the fullback to score under the posts. Wade added the conversion.
Beccles were well on top and playing some excellent rugby. They scored again when
Murray made a break and then switched with Frost who also touched down under the
posts. Wade added the conversion and then another penalty as Beccles raced in to a 20 –
0 lead.
South Woodham got on the score sheet with a penalty but Beccles managed to score
again before half time. Rowney got the ball and chipped over the top pf the upcoming
defence, he was able to collect the bouncing ball and round the fullback and score.
Another Wade conversion gave a half time score of 3 – 27.
In the second half South Woodham started to play some better rugby, showing why they
have been in the top half of the league all season. They scored a penalty and then came
up with a try when Beccles were down to 14 men after Johnstone had been sent to the sin
bin for being offside.
South Woodham tried to put together a comeback but the Beccles defence was solid and
they were able to comfortably see out the rest of the game with no further score. The final
score was 11 – 27.
This was the last league game in an excellent season for Beccles. Third is their highest
ever finish and they had been challenging for promotion up until a few weeks ago. Club
captain Reece Ling praised his players after the game for their efforts throughout the
season and nominated the whole team for the Musker McIntyre man of the match award.
The last game of the season is on the 2nd of May when Beccles play their annual game
against Southwold for the Pony Moore trophy. The game is away this year at Southwold
but Beccles are planning to take lots of supporters with them to end the year on a high.
2nd MAY
Southwold 3 vs Beccles 39
Beccles finished off an excellent season by retaining the Pony Moore cup against
Southwold. Beccles were able to dominate a hard fought game and win by 39 – 3.
Beccles started the game quickly in front of a large crowd. Rob Wilson collected a loose
ball from the kick off and surged towards the line. The ball was recycled and fed out wide
where Rowney scored in the corner. Wade missed the conversion but soon added a
penalty to stretch the lead.
Beccles continued on the attack and after a number of phases of play Frost scored from
an overlap on the wing. Next the Beccles forwards rumbled the ball forwards. This
created a gap and Captain Ling was able to pick the ball up and dive over to score.
Beccles saved the best try of the half until last. Rowney broke through the defence and
then timed a perfect pass to Williamson who scored under the posts. Wade added the
conversion and the half time score was 27 – 0.
Southwold played better in the second half and Beccles had to defend well to keep them
out. With Beccles having Geyser and Hall sent to the sin bin during the second half
Southwold had their chances but were restricted to one drop goal by the Beccles defence.
Beccles did manage to score two tries in the second half. The first came when Hoffman
made a break down the wing. He kept the ball alive well and the ball was passed back
across the park for Musker McIntyre man of the match Rob Wilson to score. Wade added
the conversion.
Beccles finished the game with another try. Beccles turned over some Southwold
possession and the ball was fed out for Sale to score in the corner. Wade bounced his kick
off the crossbar and over to give a final score of 39 – 3.
With the Beccles second team also beating their Southwold counterparts comfortably
this was a good day for Beccles to end a brilliant season for both teams. All that remains
now is the Gentlemen’s Dinner on the 15th of May where Scott Quinell will be the guest
speaker.