With Goode injured in training there was a late call for Payne at Fly-half. The bench was strengthened by Holmes and Wilson in their first appearances of the season.
Thetford started the game well and quickly showed their domination of the game with three tries in the first fifteen minute. However, Beccles tightened up their game and were able to put the opposition under more pressure for the rest of the half. Thetford did add one more try during the half but is was Beccles on the front foot for long periods without being able to get on the scoresheet.
The second half started in the same fashion as the end of the first but this time got some reward for their efforts. First a driving lineout was recycled well and Walker was able to crash over for a try. Next an interception by Armstrong saw him race three quarters of the length of the field to add another try.
The effort Beccles were having to put in began to show as they tired in the last twenty minutes. Thetford upped their game to kill off the Beccles comeback and added four more tries as they game concluded to win by 52 – 10.
Despite the heavy score line this was one of the best performances of the season so far by Beccles and if they can continue this form they should be able to start picking up some more wins in the second half of the season.
The second team travelled to Watton and went down by 43 – 0. On a plus point they are now half way through their season and have fulfilled all their fixtures. Something they struggled to do last season. With a few players returning in the new year they should be able to push on and start picking up some victories. Anyone looking to play rugby for Beccles woud be welcomed by the club. Please come along to a training session (Tuesday 19:00 or Thursday 19:30) or contact Keith Johnstone on 07788 430625.