Beccles started the game promisingly, dominating both the set piece and in territory, Hinsley in particular stealing ball well in the lineout. Some patient tight build up play from the forwards was rewarded when the ball was fed to Sale, who made a strong run into the twenty-two. The ball was slowed down at the ruck resulting in a penalty. Wade converted, giving Beccles a 3-0 lead.
Beccles continued to dominate the game, pinning themselves in the opponents half but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. Payne made a half break from fly half but fell awkwardly resulting in an ankle injury, which brought an early end to his game. This gave Harmer the chance for his first appearance in the first team in the fly half position.
Beccles continued to probe with some strong runs from B&B Skip Hire man of the match Long, but still could not get over the line. Old Street, to their credit, ran the ball whenever they could and were rewarded with three breakaway tries. They extended their lead further with a penalty from a Beccles infringement at the breakdown. This meant the half time score was 18-3.
The second half started badly for the Beccles side. From a line out on the Beccles five metre line, Old Street drove the ball over to make the score 23-3. This was to signal the wake up call the Beccles side needed. The backs came to life, with some blistering runs coming from both Hoffman and Vasey-Lark, the latter made a thirty-yard break only for the ball to be held up over the line. From a breakdown the ball was spun to Harmer who created the space well to feed Long, who finished well in the corner. The try was unconverted.
Beccles continued to cut through the opposition. Runs from Ling and Lake provided the backs with a two-man overlap, the ball was again fed to Long, who beat two men to again score in the corner. The try was converted by Wade making the score 23-15 with ten minutes to go.
Sale, similarly to Payne in the first half, rolled his ankle. With this Holmes was brought on in the back row, and he made the most of his opportunity, making several crunching tackles. The game looked to be heading for a nail biting climax when Hoffman made a darting run for the corner however his effort was to be in vein when the ball was again held up.
Despite another loss, Beccles can take many positives from the game. The young players in the Beccles squad made a good account for themselves and showed the future is bright for this side. Beccles entertain Enfield at Beef Meadow on Saturday, 2.00 KO and any support will be welcome for this crucial match in the season.