Beccles travelled to league leaders South Woodham Ferrers who were high on confidence having won their last 6 games. The hosts had worked hard on their pitch so the game could go ahead however the surface was still a quagmire after recent wet weather. Beccles got off to the worst possible start when a kick ahead from the first possession bounced South Woodham's way allowing their left winger to break away under the posts to take an immediate 7-0 lead. Gav Starks also had to immediately leave the field with a nasty shoulder injury, he will be out for a few weeks and his total commitment and work rate will be sorely missed by the Bulls.

Beccles withstood real pressure as the home side expected to have things their own way, and showed character to gradually gain ascendancy in the forward battle. As the half progressed chances were limited with solid defence from Robert Hall, Adam Edwards and Sam Harmer closing down the home sides dangerous centre partnership. After some good driving play from Reece Ling and Robert Wilson scrum half John Hoffman broke from a maul and scored under the posts to tie the game at the break.

Both sides came out for the second half keen to gain an advantage, Tom Harrison bravely fielded several high kicks and player coach Keith Rix continued to disrupt South Woodham clean ball at the ruck and line out. Reece Ling was having an exceptional game at tight head prop matched by a mature tactical kicking display by fly half Luke Wade. Aaron Guy and Danny Rix were introduced to the forward slog and both battled hard as the game became bogged down in the mud.

The hosts made the critical break through with a well taken try on the right wing defying the conditions to put together a three-quarter move after good interplay by their back row and number 4. Beccles continued to press and made the right decisions but did not have the rub of the green as their fumbles in the treacherous conditions went forward and South Woodham managed to clear their mistakes up to retain possession.

Having held Beccles at bay after a spell in the home side 22 South Woodham scored a third try after a sharp break off the base of the scrum by their number 8. This lead to good hands down the line to put the right winger away for a try superbly converted from the touchline. The final score may have slightly favoured the home side however they showed a little more nous at the breakdown and produced the games two most clinical passages of play. They deserved their win and extend their position as league leaders. Beccles Man of the match sponsored by Dave Baker Farms was club captain Reece Ling

Beccles line up Holtzer, Lake, Ling, Guntrip, Edwards, K Rix, R Hall, R Wilson, hoffman, Wade, Harrison, Starks, Harmer, Veasey-Lark, Cooper, Subs D Rix, A Guy, C Frost.

Beccles face Sudbury at Beef Meadow on Saturday having not been in action at home for a month due to postponements. President Huw Caine is hosting a VP lunch and a large crowd is hoped for kick off at 2.30