Beckenham travelled to Westcombe Park looking to build on a strong and positive second half performance against Canterbury the previous week and get their season back on track.

Within the opening five minutes of the game, Beckenham were facing a similar battle to last week. With a scrum on the right hand side of the field, just inside their own half, Beckenham looking to get on the front foot utilised a set piece move that saw the ball played out wide. However given the wet conditions the ball was spilled, which unfortunately fell straight into the hands of the Westcombe winger, who was able to pick up the loose ball and run it in for the first score of the game. With the fly half adding the 2 points.

The next few minutes where cagey. Both teams fronting up in defence, with possession mostly staying in the midfield. The game then burst into life when the Westcombe Park back line ran a slick set piece move that saw them break through Beckenham’s defence to score. The winger grabbing his second of the match. The Conversion was missed, leaving it 12-0 to Westcombe.

With the first half coming to a close, after a few resilient defensive sets, Beckenham cleared the ball well from their 22. However a poor kick chase from Beckenham on the blindside was well exploited, with the Westcombe Park winger going over for a first half hat trick score. The kick was not converted, making it 17-0 at half time, leaving Beckenham again with alot to do.

Beckenham started the second half the stronger of the two sides with some effective phase play in the Westcombe Park half. A series of turnovers by the returning Luke Aylward, allowed Conar Duffy to slot two penalties, making the score 17-6.

As the half progressed, after persistant pressure from Beckenham, Westcombe Park were able to clear. The clearance however was gathered by Tom Gamble who returned the ball with interest, creating the space for Steve Roe, who received the ball just inside the Westcombe Park half. With plenty to do, the Winger, playing at Centre for the day, went on to outpace a number of trailing Westcombe defenders to score in the corner. Conar Duffy was unable to convert, leaving the score 17-11 to Westcombe.

The rest of the second half was pretty even, with both sides having decent spells in possession. Late on, Westcombe were awarded a penalty that was converted making the final score 20-11 and denying Beckenham what would have been, a hard fought bonus point.

A well fought game from with both sides with good attacking opportunities for both sides. The difference in the end being Beckenhams slow start and Westcombe’s clinical edge, taking their opportunities well. Another slow start in the end cost Beckenham the game, but if the boys can put in a full 80 minute performance, they know they have the quality to cause any team in the league difficulties.

On a sombre note, we are wishing Matt Henry a speedy recovery! The prop who has started the season in fantastic form unfortunately had to leave the field with a bad shoulder injury early in the second half. After a scan the injury has been confirmed as a ruptured AC joint. Get well soon Matty!

Beckenham Rugby Football Club

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