Sunday 18th November 2007 Beccehamians 42 v Bromley 0 Beccehamian A 51 - 0 Westcombe Park A Games against Westcombe Park are always to be savoured and wins like this against such strong opposition are hard to come by - and all the more enjoyable when they do happen. The boys clearly felt the frustration of last weeks game and set out to subdue a lively Combe side who clearly felt the loss of one or two key players more than we missed Will and Harry. A quick rejig before the game saw us return to the combination used at Windsor - George Scott at 9 and Paul Broadhurst at 10. These two kept the side moving forward all morning with some crisp passing and clever and well placed kicks. The combination of Jack Robertson and Charlie Phair, together for only the second time, strated to gel and proved too strong for Combe. Between them they scored seven tries but were guilty at times of not using the pace outside and behind them; Sam Jeral at full back and Liam Melville and Angus Peters on the wings caused problems whenever they got the ball but could have been brought into the game more. Liam was released for a well worked try in the first half. Tom Davey opened the scoring but Combe managed to hold us up over the line twice to prevent scores before Jack and Charlie added to the score to make it 27-0 at half time. Most of the credit should go to the forwards who set up an almost constant supply of quick ball from both set piece and open play. The front row dominated for most of the game, albeit against a weakened Combe threesome. Connor Brophy looked comfortable returning from his broken wrist and worked hard with Josh Fogarty to carry the ball. The back row looked well balanced, Joseph Paterson again showing tremendous work rate around the pitch and Tom Davey showing maturity in controlling the rucks and mauls. Combe began to turn it on late in the second half and played with increasing passion but not enough to prevent four more second half tries from the Beccs centre pairing. I doubt if we will ever meet Combe in such generous mood again but do not let that detract from a very good performance and a well deserved win. However, it will count for nothing if we do not go out next week and play in the same way against Blackheath. Beccehamian B 10 - 12 Westcombe Park B This was a well matched fixture that turned out to be a really close and exicting game. Combe started strongly and had Beccs pinned in their own 22 for long spells early on but the home side gradually exerted control and worked their way up the pitch. Both sides perhaps made too much use of the rolling maul but if it works - why not? It was from one such period of play that Beccs opened the scoring with James Chatten crashing over for a well worked try. Combe rallied but couldn't turn pressure into points and paid the price when some quick handling from Beccs released Mark Boyle around halfway and he turned on the burners to score a fantastic individual try. Unable to convert either score, Beccs went in at half time 10-0 up. Combe were having none of that and came back in the second half to score two close range tries, one of which they converted to secure a narrow, but deserved win. Clearly disappointed to have lost such a close game, Beccs should be proud of their performance. Playing together as a squad is clearly paying dividends and the team work was strong. There were several good performances but Chris Carmichael stood out with his strength and passion and James Chatten showed he is clearly a class act. Edward Shaw carried well and started to use his size and strength to good advantage.The back row worked hard all day with Rob Neave clearly out to make an impact on some old friends. Joe Davis combined well with Connor Smart who produced a fine display at 10, always willing to run with the ball and attack the defenders. The backs moved the ball well and tackled strongly with especially good performances from Henry Beedle and Robert Hampton. The squad will have the opportunity to secure a win next week against a strong Blackheath outfit. All in all a good mornings rugby that kept the coaching team happy - if cold!!! Robbie