Beccehamians Vs Guys & St. Thomas Hospital - 21 February 2004 Kent 1 (Won 8-6) Report by Beccehamians' Louise Dennis This fiercely contested match showed just how tight the battle for the top position is in Kent 1. With Guys currently sitting top and Beccs in fourth, both teams were determined to take the vital points. But it was the West Wickham team who seemed to be the better side from kick off, attacking the visitors with some powerful forward hits and fast backs moves. The Becc's pack once again showed their force, driving Guys back on their own put in and winning several scrums against the head. They dominated the scrums to the extent that Guy's opted for lineouts rather than face the Becc's front row more often than they needed to. In open play the forwards linked in well with the backs to drive the visitors up field with some excellent mauling and crash ball. Beccs drew first blood when Guys eventually buckled under the pressure of the Beccs powerful mauling and conceded a penalty, which was slotted by full back Martin Hennessy. But despite their dominance in the scrums and some excellent backs play, this was not going to be an easy win for Beccs. Guys tackled strongly, especially their experienced back row, and once they'd found their feet, returned the pressure and looked dangerous when Beccs gave them too much space. A superb defensive effort from hooker Bryan Sweeting right on the line saved Beccs from what looked certain to be a Guy's try. Guy's took the lead in the second half kicking over two of the many penalties both sides gave away all match. But Beccs refused to give up. Some intelligent kicking from half backs, Jim Bryant and Robin Entwhistle, put the backs into space and they were close to scoring on several occasions. Joe Goodwillie had an outstanding game in the centre, defending well and crashing through the seemingly solid Guy's defence. He was only prevented from going over the line by excellent covering tackles from the Guy's full back. The relentless attacks from the home side drove them closer to the try line and Guy's could hold out no longer. A mistake from Guy's eventually gave Beccs the try they deserved with Martin Hennessy claiming five more points. The missed conversion didn't matter as Beccs notched up their fourth consecutive home victory of the season. They take on Sheppy next, away on the 13th March in what promises to be another closely fought contest. For more information about Beccehamians Rugby Club visit www.beccehamians.co.uk or call Marc Dennis on 020 8402 6867.