In heavy conditions Beccles struggled to string together phases of play in a disjointed first half dominated by the referees whistle. Wanstead were determined in defence but also found the wet pitch difficult and were only able to score a penalty goal despite having territorial dominance. Beccles defended strongly with Keith Rix and Ryan Guntrip putting in punishing defensive work around the fringes. Luke Wade scored an equalising kick with the last play of a lacklustre first half having missed an earlier effort.

In the second half Beccles found themselves on the wrong side of the referee’s interpretation and became frustrated. Wanstead committed numbers to the breakdown and were successful in slowing the ball down by not releasing the tackled player preventing Beccles establishing patterns of play. Tenacious tackling in midfield by Wanstead also prevented Beccles making inroads in the centre or using their pace out wide.

Indiscipline returned to haunt Beccles as they fell into old habits of attempting 50/50 offloads and trying to play too much rugby in their own half. Wanstead played for territory and relied on errors to keep the home side under pressure. Beccles continued to make basic errors and were heavily penalised for offside before the referee sent the influential Rob Wilson to the sin bin for cumulative offences. Dillon Rowney soon followed after a yellow card after a minor dispute with the opposition hooker. Wanstead secured a foothold in the Bulls 22 and after several efforts were able to drive over for a converted try. The visitors added two penalties to establish a 16 – 3 lead with 15 minutes to go.

Beccles doubled their efforts and finally found their way through the Wanstead defensive line following good interplay in midfield. Marcus Sale established a good rhythm on his return to the scrum half position challenging the gain line and using his power runners well. Rob Wilson was eventually able to drive his way over for a try after a series of mauls to reduce the deficit. Having been exceptional with the boot all season Luke Wade’s conversion attempt just drifted wide. In the final minutes Beccles were camped in the Wanstead 22 however the Essex unit refused to yield and were delighted to hold on to their lead and deny their hosts a bonus point.

Having perhaps had the rub of the green in recent close matches Beccles will have to bounce back against league leaders Norwich next week. They should look back with pride at the achievement of going unbeaten in October and November.

Team R Wilson, S Lake, R Ling, P Wilson, R Guntrip, A Edwards, G Starks, K Rix, M Sale, L Wade, T Harrison, S Williamson, M Calver, B Veasey-Lark, D Rowney. Subs D Maeer, L Sutton, S Harmer.