1st XV put the "Hackney Horrors" to bed and record a good win over League leaders.

Although the final margin was just a penalty goal, after both teams shared six tries, the BE team performance deserved victory as they coped with the blustery conditions better and their pack was at the centre of this achievement. Even when they were under pressure, in the second half when Kilburn were attacking downhill and with the wind behind them, BE still managed to shove the opposition pack back up the hill on several occasions. The secure ball the forwards won, especially in the line-outs and set/loose scrums, gave them a platform which they used well including space for the BE backs.

Less than five minutes had gone when the BE forward machine drove over the away line and MIGUEL GOMEZ touched down for the try. The forwards continued to control play, especially with JAMES ORAM and PETER MOULTON winning all their line-out ball and more besides, helped by their support players. The back row trio covered the ground well and there were several attacks which made good ground, especially when the pack set up rolling mauls. The scrum was tight, too, and this resulted in the second BE try with PETER MOULTON controlling the pushover ball to touch down and make amends at the two lost chances at Hackney, by another No 8. Despite the strong wind, CHARLIE MAYS kicked a good conversion to make it 12-0. The home backs did their part, too, with ROBBIE CAMERON-STAFF making a good break into the 22 and off-load the ball to the supporting DAVID BROMILEY although BROMILEY was tackled without the ball so BE were awarded a penalty. That was kicked into touch, 5 metres out, and the resultant line-out and drive just failed to score but BE had the put-in at the 5 metre scrum and the pack did the rest, allowing PETER MOULTON to score a second pushover try which CHARLIE MAYS also converted to make it 19-0 at the interval.

Having had the wind and slope advantages in the first period, BE had to defend against a strong Kilburn Cosmos attack who went through their paces but found BE's defence to be tight. Eventually, the defence was breached in the centre after the KC pack had secured the ball wide out. That try was converted. The next score came quickly afterwards although BE had enough chances to clear their lines beforehand. The second try was unconverted so BE held a 19-12 lead but with the opposition having the upper hand at this stage. Back came BE, through their forwards who drove KC backwards and the home side gained a penalty which CHARLIE MAYS slotted to put his side two scores ahead. Back came KC and they forced another converted try, again from a double mix-up by the home defence: the full back was caught when he had plenty of time to clear the lines and, then, the loose hacked ball into their dead ball area was not dealt with and an away player touched down, the try being converted. Six minutes were left and BE were three points ahead but, again, their pack took up the initiative and were driving into the away 22 when the final whistle went. BE were still in fourth place with only a few points covering the top five places in Sunday's League table.

BE are at home this Saturday (9th) to Old Millhillians at 2.30. Beforehand, there is a VP lunch so good animated support is hoped for.

PGY