26th Jan 2008 - London SE4 League Beccehamian 3 - Whitstable 15 History has dictated this fixture in Kent has always been a close contest with Beccs rarely coming home with any points. Despite Whitstable’s precarious position near the bottom of the table unfortunately today was no exception as a determined and passionate home side walked away with a deserved win. Beccs playing up the slope in the first half immediately took control of the game which continued throughout stemming from the ever efficient pack, winning all their own lineout and stealing or disrupting Whitstable’s. In control of their own put into the scrum and driving Whitstable off their own ball with some key turnovers. The Refs whistle was busy at the breakdown and the penalty count high against both sides. Centre Jim Bryan took advantage of one such offence and gave Beccs the lead on 20minutes. Whitstable struck back shortly after to level the scores at 3-3. The Whitstable 12 was yellow carded for deliberate knock on and given 10 minutes to cool off. Beccs kept on the offensive but couldn’t make the advantage count. With just 1minute left until half time Beccs perhaps thinking their work for the half was over were not as alert as the Whistable scrum half who took a quick tap from a penalty and scored an opportunist try and an essential score just before the break, well taken conversion extended the half time score to 10-3 in the home sides favour. Playing down the slope Beccs had a key advantage but couldn’t capitalize on it largely thanks to some resolute and desperate home defence. Chitty from number 8 once again making 10 yards off the back of every scrum needing 3 defenders to put him down, the front row of Nick Hayler, Sweeting & Appleton and latterly Stuart Hayler tearing their opposite numbers apart at the scrum (and their were plenty of scrums!). The Whitstable 12 was shown a second yellow for killing the ball and consequent red card with 15 minutes left, he could so easily have been in the bin for several other incidents earlier in the half, a dangerous and very late high tackle on Sam Painter to name but one. Even when down to 14 men Whitstable stopped several try scoring opportunities. With 8 minutes left the game was over when after a rare visit to the Beccs half Whitstable turned over a lineout and one of their backrow scored a well earned try, 15-3. The reaction & relief shown by the home players and supporters at securing 2 valuable points was clear for all to see. Whilst the home side deserved the win it may have been a different story if the eager Whitstable back row were actually penalised for repeatedly and continually failing to stay on their feet when arriving at the breakdown. A new set of studs may help keep them on their feet! Beccs next face Charlton Park at home on Saturday 9th February.