On another perfect day for expansive rugby Beccles nearly allowed this match to get away from them after a spirited second half fight back from Harlow. Veteran lock James Giddins showed the benefit of Keith Rix’s pre-season training demonstrating power and determination to drive through the Harlow pack in the final minutes to clinch a valuable bonus point win for the Bulls

The kick off was delayed slightly as the Harlow coach was late leaving for Suffolk, Beccles took advantage of a relaxed build up to the game and started in positive fashion mounting a dangerous attack down the left flank. Young winger Tom Harrison looked set to be able to show his pace to the large crowd who had been entertained at the excellent pre match lunch organised by Stuart Janes. The Harlow winger realised the danger as Harrison had the overlap, he successfully gambled on the intercept of Sale’s flat pass and sprinted in from 60 metres to give Harlow an early 7-0 lead.

Having endured frustration in the previous two league games it was imperative Beccles heads did not drop or the season could be on the line. From the kick off Jack Tipple showed the way with a trademark monster tackle, Sam Williamson, the returning Robert Wilson and Adam Edwards joined in the defensive effort with some huge hitting which rattled the opposition’s heavy ball carriers and pinned them back. Ben Veasey-Lark playing at full back for the first time this season timed his entry into the three quarter line perfectly after a Hinsley turnover and scythed down the left flank before being held up. Support was quickly on hand to secure possession at the breakdown before tight head prop Reece Ling drove over in the corner for a try. Captain Ling is currently the leading try scorer this season, a great effort for the front rower although his four scoring carries have only covered 15 metres!

Luke Wade approached the touchline conversion into a head wind with little expectation from the spectators however a perfectly struck kick drew Beccles level and gave a huge boost to the Bulls. Adopting a more pragmatic approach than in previous weeks Beccles earned the right to play wide by tying in the Harlow back row with close forward drives and impressive mauling. Wade playing at fly half for the first time this season then had a purple patch showing composure and slick decision making to feed his forward runners before releasing his three quarter line to keep Harlow on the back foot. Wade took advantage of a gap in the Harlow cover and scorched through to score by the posts and convert his own try. From the restart the chunky fly half showed power to break the line and quickly showed a clean pair of heels again before releasing
Chris Frost down the right wing. Frost eluded the cover and touched down by the posts for what looked like a commanding 21-7 half-time lead.

The bulls started the second half with their tails up and on three occasions looked set to put the game away with clean breaks however either knocked on or let the final pass slip forward to let the visitors off the hook. Harlow then showed their experience at a higher level to change tactics and get back into the game. They put the ball behind the Beccles defensive line using deft chip kicks from their fly half and siege gun clearances from their classy full back to gain territorial ascendency. A spell in the Bulls 22 was rewarded by a score under the posts by their number 8 to give a simple conversion. Signs of Beccles inexperience were then capitalised on by Harlow as they showed real commitment to the kick chase leading to some ill-advised attempts by the Bulls to run out of trouble when a clearance to touch was the right option. A converted Harlow score following time camped on the Beccles line tied the score and the momentum was all with the visitors.

The referee had enjoyed a very good match allowing the game to flow and keeping control with a light touch on the tiller. He had been barely noticed by the home support until he correctly awarded a penalty for offside 40 metres out to Harlow with 10 minutes to play and indicated the Harlow fly half was having a shot at goal. The control showed by the Harlow side in the second half gave little doubt they would be able to close out the match if the kick was successful. The Beccles faithful breathed a sigh of relief as home touch judge Andy Vipond signalled the kick had fallen just short.

Coach Rix then capitalised on the reprieve and used his interchange substitutions to telling effect. Marcus Sale and Robert Wilson both returning after injury were replaced by Gavin Hewitt and James Giddins, sensing the visitors pack was tiring big Danny Rix was also introduced. The replacements made an immediate impact, Danny Rix marched a scrum backward to allow Beccles to turnover Harlow ball for Gavin Hewitt to snipe down the right hand side and gain ground. Hewitt then increased the tempo to take a quick tap from a penalty on the visitors 22 giving Adam Edwards and Tris Holtzer to press the attack on. Sean Lake and Gavin Starks then flew into the ensuing series of rucks like mad men clearing the ball for Hewitt to pop to Giddins on the blind side 5 metres out. Giddins 20 years’ experience in the green and black left him in no doubt what was required at the crucial moment. Putting faith in the time spent driving tyres to develop leg power during pre-season training sessions he dropped his shoulder and went for the line. Sheer grunt and commitment put him through the desperate Harlow tackles before the Bulls pack drove him home for the crucial score.

Beccles deserved a win against a Harlow team who will soon find their way up the London 3 NE table on the basis of their second half showing. The Bulls will need to be more clinical and continue to improve decision making to capitalise on their undoubted individual skill and fitness

Beccles Side T Holtzer, S Lake, R Ling (c), J Giddins, R Guntrip, C Hinsley, J Tipple, A Edwards, M Sale, L Wade, C Frost, S Williamson, G Starks T Harrison B Veasey-Lark subs R Wilson, D Rix G Hewitt

Man of the match Luke Wade