Beccehamians B Squad - Spring Cup Challenge Champions I have said all season that the success of the A squad has been due in no small measure to having a full B squad. With the As winning their last fixture against Colfes to remain unbeaten, and having already bagged the Kent Cup and Kent 7s, it was time for the Bs to bring home the silverware! There are not many teams that can turn out genuine B squads but Blackheath and Westcombe Park can and it was Mark Twomey, the Blackheath coach, who came up with the idea of the three clubs playing their own triangular tournament - he even provided the cup!! Each club played the others twice for 15 minutes each game and it turned out to be a fantastically contested morning of rugby with a fair deal of skill from all three clubs. Most impressive of all was the determination and commitment of all the sides to play open rugby. It was played in a great spirit throughout but without ever losing that competitive edge. Beccs first game was against Westcombe Park. As expected it was a close game with both sides keeping it close to the forwards and, if anything, Combe having the slight edge in open play. Beccs forwards were strong all day and started to drive their oponents back. Some storming runs from Chris Chaperlin, Edward Shaw and captain James Chatten brought play close to the Combe line and Beccs were rewarded with the only try of the game as Eddie Varona crashed over to score the only try of the game. He converted his own score and had grizzled forwards crying into the beer at the sight of a prop on kicking duty!! With Blackheath having opened their account with an identical 7-0 win over Combe the Blackheath v Beccs game was likely to throw up the days winner. At the end of it we were none the wiser as it ended 0-0 with both sides playing fast and furious rugby but unable to break the others resolve. Both sides had the opportunity to seal it but the final pass went astray. Our third game was against Combe who set out looking the stronger team and put us under pressure for the first 5 minutes or so. A great backs move put the Combe winger away and it looked as if he would open the scoring but Chris Chaperlin showed again how fast he is by coming from nowhere to make a great tackle 5 metres out. This seemed to be a turning point, Combe losing a bit of heart as we nicked a turnover that led to Conor Harbottle setting off for a mazy run to the posts, Rob Neave converting. Chris finished the game with a fantastic try that showed both strength and speed. final score 12-0. (Note to Conor and Chris - just touch the ball down when you score - there is no place for acrobatic finishes - it is unsporting!) Unfortunately for us, Blackheath had beaten Combe 24-0 scoring four tries. Going into the last game of the day against "the club", therefore, we needed to win to take home the cup whereas a draw would have done for them. As before it was a close game with neither side looking able to break the deadlock. Blackheath came nearest when a storming break took one of their players hurtling to the line. Conor Harbottle did his best to stop him but the lad was through and it looked like curtains for us - but the god of Rugby was smiling on us and he mistook the 5 metre line for the try line! After that let off we started to slowly work our way back down the field. With a minute to go we were in their 22. They won a line out but instead of kicking it into touch, they kept the ball alive and paid the price when they gave away a penalty inside the 22 after much discussion, captain James Chatten ordered his side to run a 'King' move and it paid off when Rob Neave arced round the defence to score the winning try! A fantastic effort by all the boys who throroughly deserved their reward. Everyone played their heart out but, in addition to those already named, special mention must go to Mitch Pugh and Chris Carmichael in the front row who scrapped for every lose ball, Jacob Hart who was immense in the power house and Henry Beedle and Mark Boyle in the backs. A great way to end the season - well done to you all! Special thanks to Mark Twomey and Blackheath for their hospitality and to our good friends at Combe for their friendly rivalry - Rugby at its very best!! Robbie Broadhurst