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 size advantage well; the home team had few answers to power or precision of set pieces. The backrow combination of Rix, Starks and Holmes has been developing the past weeks and again stepped up and matched their much fancied opposition.
Backed up by steely direct running from centres Wade and Long 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 Harmer, Davey-Durak and Vasey-Lark. Credit to the visitors whom remained patience and were finally rewarded with a well taken forwards try out wide.
The Bulls immediately gaining territory and position, following some powerful surging runs up field from Coleman and Lake. With scrum half Izuzquiza now showing his class with some deft touches the Bulls remained hot on attack but could not covert their dominance into points.
Half time score: Beccles 3 vs Basildon 5
While down on the score board the Bulls’ knew they had dominated their opposition and played the better rugby in the first period. Following some positive words from Skipper Lake, Coach Payne and Club President Caine the Bulls wanted to give their now 4 deep home crowd supports a much needed victory.
The second half started well with some great ball carrying from the Bulls pack, with Porter and Johnstone making good yards, while the entire Bulls team were playing the tackle and ruck area superbly to keep in check the well groomed Basildon flankers from turning the ball over.
Following the restart the Bulls found themselves back in the opposition 22 following a typical power-house run from Long and substitute Williamson. This lifted the green-machine and the Bulls’ pack started dishing out some serious assault on the home pack. With David Baker Farms Ltd Man of the Match Reece Ling enjoying his best game of the season he popped well timed ball to powerhouse substitute Danny Rix whom came up just short of the line. Again the visitors held firm and managed to escape with no change to the score line.

It was Basildon whom finished the stronger hitting the Bulls with wave after wave of attack, but with a large crowd (now 7 deep) in full vocal cry, the Bulls showed great discipline and commitment to hold out the League Champion contenders and record the their best result of the season and without question the best squad performance.

Flanker Starks showed his all round class with a well timed spiral kick backwards over his own dead-ball line to close out the game and secure a well deserved bonus point.
Full time score: Beccles 3 vs Basildon 5
Another superb performance from the team and without question another very positive step forward from a Bulls squad that is now playing some exciting and attractive 15 man rugby.
The tight 5 delivered once again completely dominated their opposition and the backrow continue to step up from their previous week, aiming supported now but a full squad focused on ball retention and opposition turnovers.
The backs should have won this game for the Bulls if not for a couple of mistakes, but positive far out way the mistakes with much improved lines of running, support play and general persona. Back will be working on execution and crossing that line this week at training, watch out for next week !
Like last week, again the best collective performance of the season with all 18 players raising their games to the expected London 2 level with forwards & back linking to deliver a true team performance.
This was achieved with players being challenged to show greater individual discipline and commitment to their own pitch jobs, oh and clean boots !!
The Bulls remain very positive about survival.
This week the Bulls travel to North Walsham for the semi-final of the Norfolk Cup. It would take a brave man to bet against Bulls I suggest !! .

Scoring:
Penalty: Wade

David Baker Farms Man of the Match: Reece Ling

Team
1. Ling
2. Lake
3. Porter
4. Johnstone
5. Coleman
6. Holmes
7. Starks
8. Rix David
9. Izuzquiza
10. Cooper
11. Vasey-Lark
12. Wade
13. Long
14. Davey-Durak
15. Harmer
16. Rix Danny
17. Hinsley
18. Williamson