CANTABRIGAN 0 – BECCLES 29

The Beccles Bulls unbeaten streak in Eastern Counties Division 1 came to an end in a hard fought away defeat at Newmarket. Beccles put in their worst performance of the season and were just edged out of the game by 12-10.
Beccles put fifty points past Newmarket in the earlier encounter between the two sides but Newmarket had won every game since. The Bulls found the opposition a lot stronger than the previous match.
The match was a very tight affair with neither side creating many scoring chances. It was Beccles that opened the scoring with an Arnold penalty. The opposition came back strong and with the referee penalising Beccles continually at the breakdown the soon went in to the lead with two penalties of their own. There were no further scores in the first half and the score was 6-3 at the break.
After a half time ear bashing from the coach the Bulls were confident that they could turn round with the wind behind them and win the game. They started the second half well and soon scored the only try of the game. Arnold got the ball out wide and showed good strength to shrug off a couple of tackles and go over under the posts. He then converted his own try to give Beccles the lead by 10-6.
Newmarket, inspired by their large support put Beccles under increasing pressure. Some superb tackling from the White Horse Man of the Match Harris stopped them from scoring a try but they were able to add a penalty and a drop goal to move into the lead.
The Bulls tried everything they could to get the winning score but could not break down the home defence. As the game went in to injury time Beccles got a penalty wide out on the left. Arnold stepped up to take it and sent the ball flying towards the posts. However, the officials ruled the ball passed just the wrong side of the post and the game was lost.
Despite this loss the Bulls are still at the top of the league and favourites for promotion. Next week they entertain Thetford and will hope to return to winning ways. There is a VP’s lunch before the game starting at 12:00. The match itself kicks off at 2:15PM

Keith Johnstone Beccles Press Officer