Crusaders 10 – Beccles 17

  Beccles had a morale boosting win over local rivals Crusaders in a friendly on Saturday. Beccles took a first half lead but took their foot of the gas in the second half, still winning by 17-10.

  Beccles were missing Payne, Arnold and Hinsley from the previous week’s injury time loss to Upminster. Both sides started well and the Beccles line out was looking in fine form. It was Crusaders first on the score sheet. Beccles stopped a rolling maul close to the line but Crusaders scored in the corner when they spun the ball wide.

  Beccles upped their game with the forwards carrying the ball well. Their first try came after a number of drives through the centre were finished of by Rob Wilson. Wade added the conversion.

  The Beccles backs came up with the next try. Wade went on a jinking run and was able to feed Gedney out wide to touch down in the corner. Beccles were well on top at this stage and added another try before half time. Beccles won a penalty and kicked to the corner for a line out. The pack called their new line out move. Paul Wilson caught the ball at the back and fed Rob Wilson off the top who crashed over for his second try.

  Beccles led 17-5 at half time but Crusaders scored straight after the interval to bring themselves within a converted try. Beccles began to lose their attacking edge as Crusaders pushed to come back in to the game. Crusaders made a few scoring chances but were quickly closed out by a strong Beccles defence. Rix carried the ball out of defence on a number of occasions and was made the Musker McIntyre man of the match. Crusaders couldn’t breach the Beccles defence and the game finished off as a 17- 10 victory to Beccles.