A second successive narrow victory for the 2nds.

A powerful BE side should have been too much for the opposition but, throughout the game, handling errors, ineffective rucking and inconsistent refereeing decisions (surely not with Lee Hyams in charge - Editor ?), made it difficult for BE to take a stranglehold on the game against opponents there were taking their chances well.

The first half began with BE in the ascendancy and powerful runs by OLLY GOLDEN and HAIDAR MALIKI, amongst others, put the side in a strong position. Quick hands through the backs allowed JAMES DALLAS to touch down in the corner to open up a 5-0 lead. At this point, the errors crept in with a number of breaks left squandered as the home side gave the opposition the territory and possession to get into the game and an unconverted try and penalty put EI ahead 8-5 at half-time. It should also be noted, here, that the failed conversion hit the post - by such fine margins are games decided this season for the 2nd XV.

After stern words in the half time break, and the introduction of MARK MORTON to the BE second row, there was more cohesion but, again handling and the referee, prevented BE adding to their points tally. In fact, it was EI who were first to go over in the half, opening up a 13-5 lead. However, like last week, BE refused to let their heads drop and further sustained aggression against a tiring opposition allowed pressure to be applied before HARRY AVENT was able to crash over from close range: BEN BALDUCCHI om debut slotted a difficult conversion to leave BE one point behind although with all the momentum in their favour. The side immediately began to turn the screw but a series of mistakes saw them retreat to their own line and EI surged over in the corner to open up a six point lead.

With only a few minutes left, and staring a disappointing defeat in the face, the team again took the fight to EI and made their way deep into the opposition 22. only to turn over possession by knocking-on. However, a vastly improved BE scrum put the away fly-half under huge pressure with ROSS WILLIAMS charging down his clearance and allowing MICHAEL MOORE to dive on the loose ball in the dead ball area. With only a couple of minutes left, the conversion was crucial and JAMES DALLAS stepped up to coolly slot home the conversion despite the team's mass objection to the fact that BEN BALDUCCHI wasn't kicking ringing in his ears. His calm demeanour belied the tense situation and was down to the fact that JAMES was unaware that the kick was to win the game. BE were then able to close out the remaining few minutes, helped by EI's indiscipline, to complete a sloppy but ultimately satisfying victory.

In a game of many mistakes, the standout performers were JAMES DALLAS and OLLY GOLDEN, the latter winning the "man of the match" award for his barn-storming running. The post-match dinner lived up to the usual standard that visitors to Byng Road have become accustomed to: a meat loaf with a perfect amount of seasoning, combined with boiled new potatoes and mixed vegetables - the pastry had an exquisite texture but the star of the show was the gravy complete with pieces of bacon. Very well done Nick and Lorraine

EM