Beccehamians Vs Gillingham Anchorians - 3 April 2004 Kent 1 (Won 14-10) Report by Beccehamians' Louise Dennis In their last home league match of this season, Beccehamians men's first team put in a massive effort to take them to joint third in the league. A true team performance brought together the strength of the pack, with the pace of the backs to win by four points in a very close contest. Beccehamians were the first team to get points on the board, with a successful penalty taken by winger Martin Hennessy in the opening minutes of the game. This spurred the home side into action and with the forwards dominating both line outs and scrums, Beccs were able to work the ball up field once more into the oppositions half. The pressure paid off and when Gillingham gave away another penalty, Hennessy was able once again to slot it over, extending the lead. Despite the large home crowd, Gillingham were not beaten yet, and came back at Beccehamians with some good breaks. Their efforts were rewarded with a converted try. With Becc's missing a penalty kick, this left them trailing by one point at the end of the first half, despite their initial strong performance. Gillingham started the second half well, kicking over another penalty to extend their lead, but the determined home side stepped up their efforts. The outstanding rucking and mauling of the Beccehamians pack once again allowed them to power through the defence and regain territory. Another successful penalty kick from Hennessy put Beccs within one point of the opposition. With victory in sight, Beccs through everything at Gillingham. Full back Nathan Simpson, in his last match for Beccs before flying home to New Zealand, crashed through several times but was stopped by some good Gillingham defence. Fly half Jim Bryan placed some excellent kicks, allowing the exceptional line outs to take Beccs to within inches of the try line. But it was a powerful driving maul that allowed back row Craig Baxter to touch the ball down for the winning try. Gillingham tried hard to come back in the final minutes of the game, but some outstanding defence from all the Beccs team kept them out. Working hard as a team until the final whistle Beccs retained their four point lead beating Gillingham for the second time this season. With only one league match of the season left, Beccehamians are in with a very good chance of finishing third, making this one of the most successful season for the Kent side. The last match of the season is away to Askeans so come and show your support. For more information about the men's first team and the whole club call Marc Dennis on 0208 402 6867 or e-mail 1st XV Captain.