Beccles 17 v Crusaders 7

  Beccles were victorious in their local derby with Crusaders and moved up to fifth in the league. In a well contested game Beccles won by 17 to 7.

  Beccles were missing three of their backs for this game with Payne, Rowney and Sale all unavailable. These were replaced by Hall, Gedney and Catchpole.

  Beccles started the game well and were soon in front. Williamson made a break from the half way line and cut through the Crusaders defence. He passed to Hoffman who was able to offload out of the tackle to Geyser who scored in the corner. The conversion was missed.

  Beccles continued to dominate the game. They missed one penalty attempt before they scored again. Rob Wilson took a crash ball and went straight through the Crusaders defence. He crossed the line for a try despite the attentions of three Crusaders tacklers. Wade added the conversion and the half time score was 12 – 0.

  Beccles turned round in to the wind and with Crusaders starting to play some good rugby they found it difficult to get out of their half. Crusaders were dominating territory but the Beccles defence was solid. The forwards, led by Musker McIntyre man of the match David Rix, were carrying the ball out of defence well to relieve the pressure.

  When Beccles managed to get in their opponents half they added to the score. Some good pressure as Crusaders tried to clear their lines saw Johnstone charge down a kick behind the try line. The ball went loose and Lake was able to drop on it for a try.

  As the game moved in to the final minutes Crusaders began to put more pressure on the Beccles defence. They were rewarded with a pushover try from a scrum. This concluded the scoring and the match finished 17 – 7.

  Beccles travel to Wymondham on Saturday for another local derby. They will be looking for another victory to continue their climb up the league.