Beccles Bulls 5-0 Chelmsford

Beccles got their season back on track with a superb win over third placed Chelmsford. Despite spending the last thirty minutes of the game on their own line the Beccles defence was superb and they held out to win by 5 – 0.
Beccles started the game playing in to a strong wind but still managed to dominate the first half. The new four man lineout was working well with Wilson securing lots of possession. This was down to some good throwing in the Porter, a last minute replacement at hooker who put in a superb all round performance to be named the White Horse man of the match.
Beccles were not giving their opponents time on the ball with strong tackling by Rob Wilson causing disruption in the Chelmsford ranks. The try came after some good ball retention by the forwards. Ruthless rucking by Johnstone and Danny Rix secured the ball and it was shipped out to the backs by Hadridge. The ball went through hands quickly to take advantage of an overlap which allowed Harris to dive in the corner for a try. The conversion from the touchline was missed and Beccles went in to half time leading 5-0.
Beccles had the wind behind them in the second half and used it to their advantage early in the second half to create a couple of scoring chances. These were not taken after some good Chelmsford defence thwarted the Beccles attacks.
Chelmsford are chasing promotion this year and upped their game. They got Beccles pinned back on their line looking to get back in to the game. Beccles conceded 50 points when they played at Chelmsford earlier in the season but the defensive frailties of that day were not evident this time, the backline of Payne, Arnold and Wade were tackling superbly with Gedney and Cracknell mopping up anything they missed.
The last ten minutes were spent yards from the Beccles line but the Beccles defence was solid. The back row of Rix, Thomas and Hinsley were everywhere making tackles and slowing down ball. Tate came on in the front row and faced three high pressure scrums right at the end of the game. The pack scrummaged superbly and the ball was cleared up field and the final whistle went for a fine victory to Beccles.
Beccles have a friendly at Norwich this Saturday and are back in league action the following Saturday when they travel to Crusaders.


Keith Johnstone Beccles Press Officer