FAKENHAM 6– BECCLES 10

Beccles Bulls were crowned champions of Eastern Counties Division 1 on Saturday. Their 10-6 win away at Fakenham, coupled with Holt’s loss, meant that the Bulls have guaranteed top spot this season.
The Bulls have been top of the league all season and have wrapped up the title with two games to spare. They had travelled to Fakenham knowing they were going to be in for a tough game but managed to grind out the win necessary to secure promotion back to the London leagues.
Hinsley and Payne, absent against Mersea the week before returned to the team to strengthen the Bulls line up. The rest of the team were unchanged from the previous week and keen to make up for their poor performance.
Fakenham had knocked the Bulls out of the cup earlier in the season so Beccles knew it would be tough against the opposition’s large pack. Fakenham started well and moved in front with a penalty. After this Beccles began to work their way into the game. Arnold was kicking well and giving Beccles good field position. The forwards were scrummaging well and winning their fair share of ball.
The Bulls were next to score with a try from a lineout. Thomas was found by Lake and the pack drove towards the Fakenham line. Rix secured the ball at the back and was able to spin off and put the ball down. This was Rix’s tenth try of the season and took him back to the top of the scoring charts. Wade added the conversion to stretch the lead.
Beccles began to take control and Wade added a penalty before halftime. The Bulls pressured their opposition for the rest of the half. The Beccles pack were carrying the ball well, especially White Horse man of the match Wilson. However, Beccles could not add to their score and the halftime score was 3-10.
Fakenham scored first again in the second half with another penalty. Beccles went on the defensive and Fakenham put pressure on them. The Beccles defence was solid and were able to clear their lines at regular intervals. On one of these occasions Beccles added another penalty, scored by Wade.
As the time counted down in the second half Fakenham tactics became more desperate. They started giving away more penalties and ended up with two players in the sin bin. This made it easy for Beccles to hold out and the final whistle went to give Beccles another fine away victory.
The Bulls now have two league games left; despite having the league title secured they will be going all out to win the last two games to underline their dominance in this league. The first is a local derby against Lowestoft and Yarmouth at Beef Meadow on the 25th of March. There is a VP’s launch before hand and any supporters would be appreciated. This week the Bulls travel to Broadland for a friendly.

Keith Johnstone Beccles Press Officer