Stanford-le-Hope 41-24 Beccles Bulls

EasternCounties1

01/12/01

The Bulls suffered their worst League defeat in 2 seasons after travelling to one of their furthest matches with probably the youngest and lightest pack they've ever fielded to face a pack at the other end of the spectrum on both counts and probably the best drilled in this Division.

Unfortunately, not only did the Bulls have to contest with their usual squad injury hiatus but a more worrying sudden 'inability to travel' of some of the to-date key players. Messrs. Ling , Lake , Johnstone , Carter , Giddings , Ley and Hinsley suffered a baptism of scrummaging due to the absence of all 4 , 1st choice 2nd rows and props. Although they strived admirably for the entire match and proved their depth of character , they just did not have the technique to prevent the home pack completely dominating the set piece. The blame for this must rest squarely on the shoulders of the 'prima-donnas' who un-surprisingly will probably all be available for next weeks home match!

The home sides mastery of the scrummage was matched by their line-out prowess which meant that the Bulls had the meagrest supply of ball the whole match , in fact you can probably count the number of scrummages and line-outs they in fact won cleanly on 1 hand. From 1 such rare scrummage the Bulls were the 1st to cross the try line after conceding a converted penalty early on. A regularly worked back-row move enabled skipper Owen Hadridge to dummy his way down the blind-side from 30 metres out. Puxley added the conversion.

SLH were quick to respond and their tactics were quite simple , clean-line-out or scrummage ball was shipped to either of their formidable centres who crashed straight up the middle. The resultant possession was then either recycled and kicked for territorial advantage or the whole process was repeated if within striking distance of the line. Simple , easy to read but difficult to defend against when the ball supply for this process was so readily available.

This process enabled the home side to score 3 tries in the 1st half and a rare drop goal to which Beccles could only respond with a penalty try after a sustained period of pressure on the home try line was repeatedly thwarted by SLH players diving over the top to kill the ball. Puxley added the conversion.

The second half proceeded much as the 1st but with the Bulls young pack tiring with the effort of holding at bay the home side. SLH were quickly back into their stride and they added 3 more tries a conversion and penalty without reply from Beccles until with the last try of the match the Bulls produced one gallant charge up field with the ball moving through at least 4 phases of quick possession for Puxley to add a try of his own near the posts which he himself converted to bring his own contribution to 14 of the final 24 points. Mention too must go to Denny Pyle , Charlie Townsend and young Will James for travelling , some at short notice to face such a stern test but when called upon they produced a determined performance.

All those who travelled deserve credit for a performance that whilst lacking technique and reward in obvious areas did them all proud. Their determination and commitment not only puts the 'prima-donna' element of the club to shame but should be strongly considered as more desirable characteristics when selecting a squad to take this club onward this season. Notwithstanding promotion is still a mathematic possibility it does mean there is scope for the club , if it so wishes ,to realise a longer term goal of developing this young pack as a priority this season.

Andy Warnes.

Beccles Press Officer.