UPMINSTER 18–14 BECCLES

Beccles Bulls were beaten by a late try against top of the table Upminster. They nearly pulled off an excellent away victory before losing 18-14 to a fortunate try for the opposition.
Ling and Arnold returned to the side for this long away trip. Holtzer replaced Giddins in the second row. The match started very evenly with both sides creating chances. Beccles were scrummaging well and Hinsley was winning lots of ball in the lineout. This gave Beccles lots of possession and territory but they were unable to turn this in to points.
Upminster were the first team on the score sheet with a penalty. Beccles soon came back with a reply when Wade slotted a penalty of his own. Then Beccles scored the first try. From a penalty the ball was taken in to contact by White Horse man of the match Ling, he set up a maul and the ball was driven towards the Upminster line and as their defence gave way the Beccles pack surged over the line with Thomas getting the touch down. Wade missed a difficult conversion from out wide but soon after this added a penalty. This gave a half time score of 3-11.
The second half was one of few scoring opportunities. Upminster were the first on the score sheet when some missed tackles in midfield allowed them to score a converted try. This happened with ten minutes to go and Beccles still held a one point lead.
Upminster went in to the lead with a penalty but Beccles soon went back in front with another Wade penalty. Time was running out for Upminster. They had a long range penalty attempt which missed. From the resulting drop out the ball spilled out of the back of a ruck and Upminster was able to break down the blindside. The No. 8 chipped over the top and got the perfect bounce to catch the ball and feed his centre who scored in the corner.
The conversion was missed so Beccles needed a try in the remaining few minutes. They couldn’t get enough possession to create another thrilling finish and the match finished 18-14.
On Saturday Beccles face Harrow in the second round of the EDF Energy Senior Cup at Home (KO 3:00PM), all supporters would be welcome

Keith Johnstone Beccles Press Officer