The weather was again perfect for running rugby and league high flyers Chelmsford looked ready for the challenge following a military like warm-up session. While results have not gone the Bulls way this season, the hard work on the training pitch is starting to come through with some encouraging spells of good team rugby being played in recent weeks. Adding to the large home crowds anticipation was the return of club stalwart Chris Hinsley to the backrow and Rob Wilson from injury.
However again it was the visitors whom started the better, running with pace and power. Following numerous phases Chelmsford finally crossed for the matches first points, a converted try, quickly followed by a well taken penalty kick.
Following some calming words from the in-form Bulls Skipper Lake and some roars from a now load passionate home crowd the Bulls’ turned the heat up.
The Bulls’ forwards started dominating their opposition pack in both set-pieces and contested areas. Following some powerful surges from Rix, Wilson and Porter, the much fancied Bull’s backline was now receiving quality ball. With Larrauri and Payne now controlling the game, centres Sale and Williamson started punching the holes and providing the momentum and platform for the Bulls’ game plan to kick-in.
Eventually both territory and possession were rewarded with a superbly taken team try, scoring by the seriously in-form Vasey-Lark. This was converted with metres to spare by the multi talented Larrauri.
From the kick-off Payne calmly pushed the visitors back into their own territory. From the resulting lineout the ever present Maeer beat his opposite to the breakdown and won a kick-able penalty for the Bulls, again converted by Larrauri.
Half time score: Beccles 10-10 Chelmsford
The second half started well with some great ball carrying charges from Ling and Johnstone. With Lake, David Rix and Hinsley now dominating their opposites, the backline had the luxury of going wide early. Outside centre Williamson rewarded selectors with an inspired all round game, sending Long though gaps at will, whom in turn off loaded to Bulls winger and standout performer on the day Davey Durak to make huge inroads into the opposition territory.
Again with abundance of procession and territory the pressure told and eventually caused the visitors to infringe which resulted in 2 kickable penalties for the home team. Larrauri slotted a first from in front, while substitute Wade calmly slotted the second from 48 metres on the angle.
With 9 minutes to go the much fancied visitors were rattled. But to their credit they smartly regrouped and from a poor Bull’s restart quickly regained territory and cleverly scored from a well worked lineout. Good Bulls pressure on the kicker resulted in a missed conversion.
From a second poor Bulls restart and chase, the opposition again kicked for territory. Despite roars of disapproval from the home crowd the visitors were awarded a long range 40 metre penalty, which their flyhalf calmly slotted to win the game.
Final score: Beccles 16-18 Chelmsford
The first 80 minute performance of the season, full of commitment, hunger and desire to win. A very balanced green pack was dominant in a well contested forwards battle and have now stepped up to a new, but expected level that must now be maintained. The backs defended superbly, and showed glimpses of attacking threat, but now need to find more edge and finishing prowess if are they are to deliver on their celebrity billing.
This week the Bulls travel very confidently to mid-table Basildon.

Tries: Veasey-Lark
Conversions: Larrauri
Penalties: Larrauri (2), Wade

Man of the Match: Keith Johnstone

Team
1. Ling
2. Lake
3. Porter
4. Rix David
5. Johnstone
6. Hinsley
7. Maeer
8. Wilson
9. Larrauri
10. Payne
11. Veasey-Lark
12. Sale
13. Williamson
14. Davey-Durak
15. Long
16. Hoffman
17. Wade
18. Rix Danny