Fullerians 23 – Beccles 21 (aet)

Beccles went out of the EDF Energy Senior Cup in a thrilling game away in Watford against Fullerians. The game went to extra time and Beccles twice had a kick to win the game before going down by 23-21.

After heavy traffic on the journey Beccles only arrived at the ground half an hour before kick-off. Despite a hurried warm up Beccles started the game strongly. They were soon in front through a Murray penalty. The opposition then tied the scores with a penalty of their own.

Beccles then scored the try of the game. The ball was kept alive with players off loading in the tackle. The ball reached Gedney who unselfishly fed Maeer to go over for a try. Murray soon added another penalty. Fullerians managed to pull one penalty back before half time and the players swapped round with Beccles in front 6-11.

Captain Ling went off at half time which meant that Wilson took over as captain. He led from the front and was made the man of the match. Fullerians started the second half strongly. They quickly added two tries to go in to a 16-11 lead. This made Beccles up their game and they camped themselves on the oppositions try line. The Fullerians defence was good and Beccles lost their composure at vital times which meant they couldn’t get the try they needed. With time up Green made a break on the half way line and fed Arnold who sprinted clear for a try. This gave Murray a difficult kick to win the game. The ball sailed just wide and the game went in to extra time.

Beccles had a superb chance to go in front in the first period of extra time but the ball was fumbled over the line. Fullerians then took a quick penalty and chipped the ball over the top. The ball to a wicked bounce straight in to the arms of the Fullerians winger who went over under the posts. The conversion was added and Fullerians went in to the second ten minutes seven points in front.

Under the rules of the competition if the scores were level after extra time the away side were awarded the win. This meant that Beccles needed a converted try to win the game. The game was in to injury time before the ball was fed wide to Frost who sped down the wing to touch down for a try. This gave Murray a kick to win the game. Beccles luck for the day was summed up as the ball fell off the kicking tee as he was running up giving him no chance with the kick. The final whistle was then blown signalling the narrowest of defeats for Beccles.

Despite the defeat this was a good performance by Beccles. They had a number of chances to win the game and will have to work on their finishing before the start of the league season. This week they have a friendly at home to North Walsham and will be looking to complete the preparations before the first league game the week after.