Friday 7th March 2008 Floodlight Match: Beccehamian 27 v Beckenham 10 Following the outstanding performances last Sunday, this development game under floodlights was an opportunity for a number of players to show us just how well they have developed and to press a claim for A team places. Unfortunately, Beckenham hadn't read the script and put us under huge pressure for most of the first half. Their forwards were a yard ( metre in new money) quicker at the breakdown, recycled the ball quickly and used their back-line well. If they had used all the overlaps they created, they would have been more than 10 points up at half time. Beccs did well to soak up a lot of the pressure and defended their line well under sustained assaults from the big Beckenham forwards. Unfortunately we stood off them in defence and allowed them to run at us which allowed their fast runners the space to make ground. Our first half rucking was poor, good ball often being kicked back to them. Having said that, the boys showed great spirit by sticking at it. Will Kemp had a good first half using his kicking skills to good effect and putting in some big tackles. Richard Cartwright impressed on the wing, despite seeing little of the ball and Rob Neave showed a lot of effort and determination. To be honest, we were lucky to be only 10-0 at half time but the boys came out in the second half determined to turn the game around and , under the leadership of Henry Beedle, started to do just that. A few personnel changes beefed the side up but, more importantly, we started to get the momentum going forward and some excellent passages of play started to bring wings Mark Boyle and Conor Harbottle into the game. Richard moved into the centre alongside Angus Peters which started to put their backs under pressure. A more direct game then led to tries from Conor Harbottle, James Chatten, Angus Peters (2) and a corruscating break from Chris Chatten who run fully 50 meteres to score. A game of two halves but one that underlined the need to to take the game to the opposition and not stand off waiting for them to come to you. The referee is an old friend of mine and he was impressed by the quality of the play and the sporting spirit in which it was conducted. It was a good game and has given us a headache for selection. Our thanks to Beckenham for giving us the opportunity to play under their lights and for being such genial hosts. Training tomorrow, after which we will select the squad for the Kent Cup final - remember, our success is due to all the players and the strength in depth we now have. We can only select 22 so 19 of you are going to be disappointed. If you are not selected please try and turn up to support the boys that take the field next Sunday at Aylesford - REMEMBER WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER Regards Robbie