Sunday 11th November 2007 Beccehamians 42 v Bromley 0 The A team went to Bromley fired up for a challenging game, having not played for four weeks. Behind the scenes negotiations the day before to actually play the fixture, were thought to have been enough, but we were presented with an unwished for scenario of uncontested scrums and 'once you are four tries ahead the game stops!' This was due to their long injury list, but by the end of the game we felt that Bromley had done themselves a disservice. They played some great rugby, with great heart and may well have benefitted - as would we - if at least some scrummaging had been attempted. Undeterred, the boys launched themselves into the game, with Tom Davey catching a superb ball from the kick off, then dropping it! With what was to come throughout 3/4's of the match, we're still not sure if this was deliberate? As the game progressed, with some 'interesting' tactics by our lads, it was apparent that Beccs had decided on a damage limitation exercise in order to play a full game. Bromley's defence was superb throughout the game but they could not cope with Jack Robertson at (almost) full throttle to score the first try. Jack missed the conversion due to the temporary loss of his tee, which forced him to try a drop kick. A second try by 'storming' Joe Patterson, powering through Bromley's defence saw Beccs leading by 10 - 0 when play stopped for the 2 minute silence. The second quarter saw a couple of dodgy drop kick attempts by Big Jack, before he executed a perfect penalty, with Liam Melville scoring in the corner after some wonderful passing by the back line. The next quarter will be remembered for the many 'tactical' errors which enabled Bromley to bravely try and fight back, including yet another of Jack's drop goal attempts! Luckily though, Beccs did not forget how to ruck or tackle and Bromley were unable to cross the try line. A stern talk from coach Paul Davies at the next break, urging the boys to 'wrap this up' had the real A team coming out to play. Tries by Jack Robertson, Charlie Phair (at full throttle for the first time in the whole match), Joe Patterson (again) and Angus Peters, with two conversions by Jack - with his lucky tee this time! During the entire match everyone played well and showed great maturity in their decision making. Even switching players into unfamiliar positions did nothing to dampen the tremendous team spirit, worthy of the final score. Angela Broadhurst (first ever match report!!) Gravesend 'A' 43 Beccehamian 'B' 31 A red letter day for the U14 squad. With 17 players taking on Bromley we were still able to send a full team to Gravesend. They welcomed the fixture as they are struggling for numbers this season and we loaned them a player to make it 14 a side. They may be low in numbers but they are not low in ability and it turned out to be a tough match. Beccs forwards dominated the first half and won every scrum allowing them to power to a first half lead of 26-12. For some reason best known to himself, the referee then decided that the second half should be uncontested scrums. This allowed the home sides fast back line to get more possesion and run in five tries to our one in ther second half, thus wrapping up the win. Despite the disappointment in losing, the boys should be proud of this performance. They took on an A team and held their own for long periods. The forwards played well and, had the scrums remained contested, would probably have done enough to win the game. As I hoped, several players showed they are A team calibre with stand out performances from Rob Neave, Chris, Eddie, and Connor Lawrence. Try scorers were Henry, Rob, Mark and Eddie with two tries and two conversions! A good day for all. Well done. Robbie