1st Mar 2008 - London SE4 League Beccehamian 23 - Crowborough 10 Beccs had a well deserved and needed victory away from home against Crowborough who were one place and one point ahead of them at the start of play. Playing into the wind and sun in the first half the Beccs pack immediately bossed their opponents. Crowborough are a tough nut to crack and today was no different. Bs competed and won at the lineout, and turned over ball all afternoon at the scrum in a dominant display. With just 10 mins on the clock a catch and drive 5 yards out was well orchestrated by Michael Hooke at scrum half, the pack responded, Michael O’Hehir popping up for the crucial score under the posts, converted by fly-half Jim Bryan, 7-0. Not to be outdone the home side pressed the Bs line. A baptism of fire for debutant Ben Thirkettle on the left wing. Chasing back following a clever kick through and bearing in mind he hadn’t touched a 1st XV ball, just 10 yards from his own line, he would have been well within his rights to put boot to ball and clear his lines. With 2 chasing Crowborough defenders in his own 22 he took them on, and about 3 others, before being hauled to ground 40 yards further upfield than he had started, welcome to the club mon ami, excellent stuff. Crowborough not to be outdone fought back. On the Bs 22 from an attacking lineout their imposing & big number 8, whilst initially stopped 10 yards out, took 3 defenders with him and scored close to the posts, converted, 7-7. The game was in the balance. Bs through several driving mauls through the pack and mixing with the backline took play into the home sides 22. Bs authority at the set play was a platform for Hooke who snipped in for an opportunist try following a line-out and a several recycled balls on 25 mins, 12-7. Crowborough of course came back all guns blazing, the pressure took its toll and a penalty chance 5 mins from half time was duly taken, 12-10, half time. Playing with the wind in the 2nd half Bs sensed the game and points were for the taking. From a lineout 10 mins into the 2nd half and driving maul the pack once again provided the platform for O’Hehir to grab his 2nd try, 17-10. Bs maintained the pressure providing two well taken penalties by fly-half Bryan further extending the lead to 23-10. With just 15 mins remaining Bs decided to run the ball just 10 yards from their own line shipping to Thirkettle on the left wing. Like he had previously he made 40yards plus committing 4 defenders in the process. Bs secured their points through a fantastic team effort and pack who communicated and worked for each other. Hats off to Hayler(N), Sweeting, Appleton, O’Hehir, Watkins and the nuisance of back row Spurgeon, Jones & Chitty who made the hard yards through constant pressure. The forwards and backs worked for each other via the lively Hooke at 9, through Jim B at 10 and the rest of the backline who made their tackles and gave little room for error. Make no mistake, Crowborough are a well drilled and efficient side, they compete for everything and do not give up. On the day Beccs just wanted the game a little more and were well rewarded for their efforts. We look forward to the return fixtures against our tough Sussex opponents next year. Rugby in SE4. Yes it is competitive, yes, they are the odd skirmishes, I put those down to the passion each side has competing for their club. The truly great thing with playing at this level is that it is physical, hard, quick, but at the same time in the main all very fair. One can easily shake the hand of his opposite number at the end of the game and say you have given everything you can give. Each player has a mutual respect for his opposite number, long may it continue. If it wasn’t for this we’d be playing with a round ball and be in a whole world of sh*t! Beccs welcome Hastings & Bexhill to Sparrows Den next Saturday 8th March.