Beccles got 2012 off to the perfect start with a convincing bonus point victory against Canvey Island. With both teams struggling at the bottom of the table, each knew the importance of a win. From the off Canvey started brightly, capitalising on a Beccles mistake. From this they created an overlap and scored in the corner.
The home side did not let this get to them and immediately began to dominate. Canvey were unable to cope with the Beccles rush defence, the ball fell loose to B&B Skip Hire man of the match P Wilson who made a charging break, he offloaded to Lake who in turn fed Long to crash over from close range. Wade added to extras to make the score 7-5.
As the half drew on Canvey began to make mistakes due the amount of pressure being put on them in open play and in the scrum. This was exemplified when the Canvey scrum half tried to clear his lines, only to be shrewdly charged down by Larrauri to score the second try for the home side. The try was again converted making the score 14-5.
With confidence brewing, Beccles began to play some of the best rugby they’ve played all season. Wingers Vasey-Lark and Durak came hunting for the ball well and both made some scintillating runs. The best play of the match came when the ball was spread to Long down the line who in turn passed to Durak, only to be held up just short of the line. Quick ball from the forwards allowed Cooper to break the line and find Wade on angle to score under the ports. A conversion and a further penalty from Wade capped off a fantastic half of rugby, making the score 24-5.
At half time Beccles knew that one more try would gain an all important bonus point victory.
The second half was a much more scrappy affair. Both sides were guilty of offenses at the break down and of simple handling errors. Canvey, to their credit, played with a lot of heart and determination and were rewarded with a break away try created in their own half.
Beccles continued to probe but could not put a finish to good passages of play. Eventually, a mix up on the Canvey 5 meter line gave Williamson the opportunity to dive on the ball over the line, giving Beccles the all important bonus point. Wade converted. With the game already won, a lapse in concentration from the Beccles defence gave away the ball to Canvey and they made the most of it, scoring in the final play. This meant the full time score was 31-17.
P Wilson was deservedly man of the match, showing some good ball carrying throughout. Notable performances came from Williamson, Coleman and Ling.
This win means Beccles are just one win away from getting themselves out of the drop zone and with some more home games coming up, this is more than doable. Beccles will hope to continue this form when they travel to Ipswich next week.

Tries: Long, Larrauri, Wade, Williamson
Conversions: Wade (4)
Penalties: Wade

Man of the Match: Wilson

Team
1. Ling
2. Lake
3. Porter
4. Colman
5. Wilson
6. Johnstone
7. Holmes
8. Rix David
9. Larrauri
10. Cooper
11. Veasey-Lark
12. Wade
13. Willimson
14. Davey-Durak
15. Long
16. Hoffman
17. Rix Danny
18. Hislop