Narrow win but fully desrved for the 1st XV.

The two teams had different agenda prior to the game: the 1st XV to get back on their winning ways after a disappointing display at Cheshunt whilst London Welsh Amateurs to stay close to the League leaders. What followed was an epic close contest with attack and counter attack, solid defences and difficult underfoot conditions, especially along the Clubhouse touch-line.

BE got off to a good start with HARRY EADE landing an early penalty and BEs had several good moves although the LWA backs had several of their own and their kicker kept pressing BE back down the field but the team were able to hold their line well, until just before the break. In the set scrums, BE had the better eight, DAN TAYLOR taking all his own put-in cleanly whilst also taking several against the head. The line-outs were also well contested by BE, regardless of which side threw in, with JAMES ORAM and PETER MOUTON jumping well and being supported by their fellow forwards. In the backs, BE had several good moves and GLYN BAYLEY caused one or two problems in his runs or kicks to the corner. The visitors were as adapt at defending their line and it seemed as if, for the second week, there would only be that single penalty goal in the first half until LWA worked the ball down the right wing and scored a good try, which was converted, right on half time.

The second half started in similar fashion with each team having an advantage then the other. The crucial score came when the LWA fly half screwed a kick and the ball fell into the arms of ROBBIE CAMERON-STAFF who ran in from 30 metres out. From then on, it was see-saw action with LWA having all ball and pressure on the BE line for a long period of time but BE kept their discipline and often won the ball back to take play into the away end. This continued all game with the match ebbing one way and then the other although BE kept having the play up front. That continued throughout the half and BE deserved the four match points but it was such a close, tight, contest.

The 1st XV are away to Kilburn Cosmos on 7th March at 3,00pm.

PGY