SAFFRON WALDEN 33 – BECCLES 14

Beccles couldn’t make it three away wins in a row when they travelled to Saffron Walden. Despite a superb first half they fell away in the second half and lost the match 33-14.
The Bulls new they would be in for a tough game against opponents relegated from London Division 3 last year and favourites to go back up after a sixty point win the previous week. Rix had everybody available for selection so Beccles travelled with a strong squad.
Saffron Walden were quickly ahead with a well worked try scored under the posts. After this Beccles began to take charge. They won a penalty close to the opponents try line and Ling set up a rolling maul and the rest of the Beccles pack put the drive on. Thomas controlled the ball at the back of the maul and was able to squeeze over for the try. Wade added a superb conversion. Beccles kept the pressure on and restricted the amount of ball the opposition had. Just before half time the pressure finally told and Beccles scored another try. Some slick passing along the backline left Gedney free to show his pace and touch down in the corner. Wade then bettered his first kick with a strike from right on the touchline. For his excellent kicking and some good passing Wade was made the White Horse man of the match. The whistle then sounded for half time with Beccles leading 7-14.
The second half didn’t go as well for the Bulls. Saffron Walden quickly scored an unconverted try and then a converted one to go in to 19-14 lead. Beccles tried hard to get back in to the game but couldn’t get out of their half for any length of time. As Beccles pushed for a score gaps opened up and Saffron Walden were able to add two more tries to make the final score 33-14.
After leading at half time Beccles were disappointed to lose this game but they can take heart from the fact, for the first half at least, they dominated one of the best teams in the league on their own ground. This week Beccles play in the EDF Energy Cup against Barnet Elizabethans. This will be the Bulls first home game of the season so as many supporters as possible would be welcomed (KO 3.00PM).




Keith Johnstone Beccles Press Officer