Guys & St. Thomas Hospital vs Beccehamians - 27 September 2003 Kent 1 (Lost 16-13) - Some photos from the match.. Beccehamians were unlucky not to come away with a win against Guys after a hard fought game in perfect rugby conditions. The first half started badly for the visitors, despite second row Paul Forest's munching opening tackle, and that proved to be their downfall. Great srummaging and strong driving mauls meant Beccs were able to take the territorial advantage early on but sadly were unable to make those final yards over the line to score. Several wrong decisions gave possession away to the home side but some good individual defending and clearance from wing Sam Painter and full back Daniel Kemp held off the counter attacks. The frustration was increase when it was Guys who managed to put the burst on and drive over the line for the first score of the match, despite a brave attempt to defend by winger Steve Benham making his return after injury. A penalty moments later put Beccs back in the game and a penalty right on the try line looked to the break Beccs needed as Skipper Marc Dennis crashed over the line, but sadly he was called back and the advantage was lost. Even when Guys went down to 14 men, after their No. 8 was yellow carded, Beccs were unable to utilise the over-lap, although they did get close on several occasions. Guys were last to score in the first half when Beccs gave away another unnecessary penalty, giving them the advantage going in to the second half. However, Beccs came out fighting and looked a different side. Geoff Brown, making his come back after a couple of seasons at HSBC, showed he has not lost his talent with some great individual runs through the Guys defence. This gave the Beccs backline the space to spin the ball wide to the wing where Steve Benham used his pace to beat his opposite number and score in the corner for a well deserved try which was converted by fly half Martin Hennessy. With the gap closing down, Beccs looked to step up a gear. David Attkins, replacing Jo Goodwillie in the centre showed his experience and class with some great lines of running creating opportunities for Beccs. However, Guys continued to play well turning the second half into an exciting match. Beccs were still scrummaging well but the solid No. 8 for Guys put Beccs under pressure several times. With Beccs working better as a team there were less mistakes and the visitors seemed to gain the majority of the possession. However, it is tries that win matches and Guys were the side able to find the gap and score again. That added to a successful penalty meant Beccs needed a converted try to win. Not giving up easily Beccs kept the pressure up till the end. An excellent dropped goal from Martin Hennessy put Beccs even closer to victory but on this occasion it wasn't meant to be and the score finished a somewhat disappointing 16-13 to Guys. However, this was a much improved performance by Beccehamians with new and returning talent shining in places. There are areas still to work on but the makings of a winning side are there. Beccehamians will be looking to build on their strengths in their next league match, at home on the 4th October to Sittingbourne, kick off 3pm. Come along and give them the support they deserve!