Old Cantabs approached the match with confidence after securing promotion to London League Division 3 North East unbeaten last season and earning a draw against Norwich in their opening fixture. Beccles aimed to move the large Cantabs pack around and play a high tempo game to test the visitors stamina however in a disjointed first half neither side were able to put together phases of play.

Beccles were able to cope with the visitor’s powerful scrum, Liam Sutton and Chris Hinsley turned over possession at the break down on a number of occasions to halt forward drives. A series of handling errors prevented Beccles capitalising on their defensive pressure which appeared to have the Cantabs inside backs running out of ideas. Two penalty chances were missed by Cantabs before Luke Wade made an attempt from under the posts to give Beccles a 3-0 lead at the end of a lacklustre first half.

Coach Keith Rix called for improved decision making and more clinical execution in the second half to test the visitor’s pack that appeared to be tiring. Beccles immediately found themselves under pressure though by failing to put the kick off 10 meters and conceding a scrum on halfway. Cantabs brought their fullback into the line to attack the blindside and weak open field tackling allowed him to cross for a converted try. Loose kicking and wrong options meant the Bulls found themselves under pressure again before the visitors fullback fielded an aimless punt and waltzed 50 metres down the touchline practically untouched.

A further penalty gave Cantabs a 15-3 lead however Beccles at last began to find their stride with direct running from Marcus Sale in the midfield and the impressive Ryan Guntrip close to the breakdown. Unfortunately on several occasions clear overlaps were spurned or the Bulls managed to concede penalties after appearing to have recycled possession. The bulls brought on the mobile Darren Maer to replace James Giddins who had to retire with a calf injury after another solid performance. Eventually the pressure told and Ben Veasey-Lark showed real poise and pace to race down the left flank for a try in the corner after a flowing move. Luke Wade produced a stunning touchline conversion to narrow the deficit to 5 points and encourage the large crowd that the fight back would soon be complete.

The Bulls were now searching for the killer blow and produced their best spell of play with 15 minutes left. The muscular Sale was moved to scrum half in a tactical switch with Gavin Hewitt being replaced by Robert Hall The visitors struggled to cope with the waves of Beccles attack and appeared to be offside on more than one occasion to prevent Beccles moving the ball with clear overlaps. A scintillating break through the centres saw Luke Wade show pace and power to make inroads into the 22; tireless Gavin Starks was charging up in support and looked certain to score before an early tackle prevented him taking Wade’s offload over the line. Unfortunately the spectre of poor decision making returned to gift the ball to Old Cantabs and allow them to clear their lines.

Old Cantabs regrouped and showed real grit and determination to mount one last attack to gain a foothold in the Bulls 22. Their number 8 capped a man of the match performance to break through yet another weak open field tackle to score by the posts and seal the win for the visitors. The conversion was missed which gave Beccles the chance to score and secure a losing bonus point however slack lateral running lines led to the final Bulls attacks petering out. The physicality of the Bulls defence was encouraging however gift wrapping three tries to a confident side cannot be allowed to happen again if the bulls have ambitions to secure promotion.

Next week Beccles travel to Old Brentwood’s who have started their campaign with two good wins.

Beccles Line-Up –

Forwards – Lake, Sutton, Ling, Giddings, Guntripp, Edwards, Hinsley, Starks.

Backs – Hewitt, Harmer, Wade, Sale, Cooper, Vasey-Lark, Frost.

Subs – Guy, Maer, Hall