BECCLES 29-5 LOWESTOFT

Beccles Bulls took the first step to retaining their title as the best team in the Waveney area with victory over Lowestoft on Saturday. They now have to beat Southwold in the Pony Moore Trophy tomorrow to retain that title.
Beccles had unchanged side from the victory at Fakenham that had secured the league title two weeks before. The side were keen to show that Lowestoft claims of a lucky Beccles away win in the fixture before Christmas was false.
Lowestoft were still in with a shout of promotion and started the match with a lot of energy. They also had the wind behind them and this meant Beccles rarely got out of their own 22. However, the Beccles defence was once again superb. The Bulls have only conceded three tries at home this year before Saturday and the solid defence displayed by the Bulls on Saturday showed why. Wave after wave of Lowestoft attacks were repelled by fierce tackling by Beccles, particularly from the back row of Rix, Thomas and Hinsley. Thomas was made the White Horse man of the match.
Beccles only escaped from their 22 twice in the first time and came away with points both times. The first time the Bulls won a penalty that was calmly converted by Wade. Just before half-time they added a try. The ball was recycled well and fed to Danny Rix ten yards out. He was brought down just short of the line and was supported quickly. The ball was fed to Ling who bounced through a couple of tackles to touch down, wade converted. This brought the halftime whistle and Lowestoft heads began to fall.
Beccles had more of the play in the second half with the older Lowestoft players beginning to tire. Wade added another penalty and Beccles moved up through the gears. Arnold was kicking well from fly-half and getting in behind the opposition defence. On one of these occasions the ball was picked up by Rix who crashed towards the line. He was stopped but Johnstone picked up the ball and sniped through a gap to score. Wade added the conversion from out wide.
Lowestoft managed to pick up a try when two Beccles players collided to create a gap for the full-back to score. Lowestoft tried to mount a comeback but holes were starting to appear in their defence. Squirrell managed to take advantage when he stepped out of a couple of tackles to score. This put Beccles 25-5 ahead and sealed the match.
This was the last home game of the season and the Bulls have been impressive at fortress Beef Meadow. They have lost only two games there all season, one in the league and one in the cup. They conceded only four league tries at home and have scored over 250 points. They will need to repeat this form next year if they want to do well in the London leagues.

Keith Johnstone Beccles Press Officer