The weather was perfect for running rugby and the game started with clear intent on the side of the visitors to move the ball through structured phases and play territory.
The Bulls pack started well using their weight advantage well, the home team had few answers to power or precision of set pieces, though the home team did contest the breakdown very well. Backed up by steely direct running from the centres Sale and Williamson the pressure eventually led to centre parked infringement by Basildon. Wade stepped and duly slotted the opening points of the game.
For the next period of play Basildon dominated both possession and territory. The Bulls’ defence withheld repeated attacks with notable defensive efforts coming from backs Payne, Davey-Durak and Long. Credit to the home team and patience was finally rewarded with 2 well taken tries out wide.
The Bulls immediately replied, following some powerful surging runs up field from brothers Danny and David Rix and the back duly capitalised by scoring a well taken team try, scored by the ever-present Payne.
Half time score: Basildon 15-8 Beccles
While down on the score board the Bulls’ remained in confident mood following some positive words from stand-in Skipper Porter and Coach Reeves.
The second half started well with some great ball carrying from the Bulls pack, with Porter and Johnstone making good yards, while back row trio of Maeer, Hewitt and Wade working hard to keep the sharp Basildon flankers from turning the ball over.
Against the run of play the home team broke the line and score out wide.
Following the restart the Bulls found themselves back in the opposition 22 following a typical power-house run from Long, Veasey-Lark and Hewitt. This lifted the green-machine and the Bulls’ pack started dishing out some serious assault on the home pack. With B & B Skip Hire Man of the Match Davey-Durak enjoying his best game of the season, powerhouse Guntrip came up just short of the line, but it was Davey-Durak whom cut a great line of Cooper and burst through 12 tackles to score out wide. Wade converted at speed knowing a Bulls converted try would steal the game.

Unfortunately it was Basildon whom had the last say in this match. With the large vocal crowd demanding a home victory and the Bulls’ throwing caution to the wind in seek of 7 pts. A quick turn over and with numbers to burn the home team scored what was the best try of the game.
Full time score: Basildon 27-15 Beccles

Another loss but an enjoyable and well contested game. The Bulls continue to improve and with continued hard work and commitment the season will turn. Execution needs to be more polished, we must be stronger in the tackle, and we must retain possession better in the contact situation

From the Basildon website: “The visitors belied their lowly league position and a spirited performance was hardly represented by the final score:

This week the Bulls have a break from both League and Cup competitions.

Tries: Davey-Durak, Payne
Conversions: Wade (2)
Penalties: Wade

Man of the Match: Davey-Durak

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