Peterborough Lions play in Midlands 1, 3 levels higher than Beccles. They are now coached by former Beccles Coach Dave Tiueti. They came to Beccles for this pre-season game as both sides prepared for the coming season.
After a long time without playing and good recruitment of players during the time off Beccles were able to give debuts to a number of new players. There were first appearances for Alec Burling, Jack Walker, Euan Robinson and Elias Smith. It was also a first game as captain for Jack Baldry.
The game was played in four quarters with Beccles making lots of changes throughout the game. In the first quarter Beccles quickly saw how good their opposition were. However, the Beccles defence was good and Peterborough struggled to find a way through. Some good covering defence by Walker and Smith in particular restricted Peterborough to one score in the first quarter.
In the second quarter Peterborough were well on top and ran in five tries during the quarter. Beccles could have been looking at a massive defeat but they dug in during the second half which ended up as a tight affair.
In the third quarter it was all Beccles. They worked their way deep in to Peterborough territory and after a number of efforts by the forwards Holtzer went over for a score out wide.
The final quarter continued in a similar vein and after some more good ball retention Baldry crashed over to add another score. Peterborough finished the game strongly and added a couple more tries against a tiring Beccles defence as the game finished 55-10.
Despite the big margin of defeat Beccles were happy with their days work. They matched a strong team for long periods and if they can continue with this level of performance could be looking at a good season.
Man of the match was Jack Walker.
Beccles now have a week off before playing their final pre-season game on 11th September at home to Thetford. They then kick off their league campaign on the 18th September with the 1st team home to Wymondham 2s and the 2nd team away at Lakenham.
New players of all abilities are always welcome to join us. Either come along to training on a Tuesday or Thursday evening (19:30) or contact Keith Johnstone (kjohnstone1503@yahoo.co.uk or 07788 430625)