Seconds successive League win puts BE in second place

BE stand second in the League, one (bonus) point behind Kilburn Cosmos. That scenario did not seem likely as BE tore at Verulamians in the first half, with PETER MOULTON and JAMES ORMA dominating the lineot ball, JAMES STUBBS taking several heels against the head in the scrums and several strong runs by the backs, especially ADRIAN TODD. Unfortunately, CHARLIE MAYS' kicking radar was off-beam as he missed a few penalty goal attempts, all within his usual capability. BE also found the 16th man was against them at times as the referee seemed to penalise them innocuously.

BE took an early lead when the first strike against the head by JAMES STUBBS was cleanly won and released by the backs to ROBERT CAMERON-STAFF who eased his way for a try on the left wing, well converted by CHARLIE MAYS. The tide of possession and territory continued for BE but they were denied turning this into possession, paticularly as their opponents made it a disjointed game as well as the official. In the end, and after several earlier misses, CHARLIE MAYS landed a penalty to make it 10-0 at half time. This was soon 13-0 when the same player kicked another penalty. Instead of driving on from this, BE were sucked into defensive mode, not helped by regular cahts between both Captains and the Referee. Having defended well, for some time, BE conceded a try wide out - the conversion attempt brushed the outside of the post - and BE had more defending to do with the referee unhappy at their tactics.

However, they survived this and ended the game the stronger. The forwards drove JAMES ORAM and WILLY ("I'm retired") PRITCHARD over the try line and it was WILLY PRITCHARD who gained the touchdown or, as one spectator said, "Willy came up the rear". The conversion was missed but BE attacked again and PETER MOULTON made the break into the home 22 before releasing ROBERT CAMERON-STAFF for his second try which CHARLIE MAYS converted.

The 1st XV play Belsize Park at Byng Road in the League this Saturday at 3pm.

PGY

It was nice to see LAURENCE SMITH watching from behind the posts.