Beccles all but clinched a top two position in Eastern Counties 1N to cement their place in phase two of the season.

They came up against a good youthful Norwich team who, despite being in the bottom half of the league, played well above the standard of rugby one would associate with that position.

Despite early dominance in the scrums it was deadlock until 15 minutes in when Cameron Bonner managed to break out of a double tackle and go through for a converted score. Bonner continued to dominate, bouncing out of tackles left, right and centre.

Beccles added a penalty through Temm Kauri but despite this, the game was looking fairly even and Norwich soon added a try of their own followed by another, making it 10-10.

The hosts were then awarded a penalty and a quick tap and fast thinking by captain Gedney, led to Tom Harrison finding enough space on the wing to touch down in the corner to make it 15-10 going into the break.

Despite the hit and miss first half, the Beccles pack continued to steam-roll Norwich when it came to scrum time. The pressure eventually took its toll as Tris Holtzer went over for a try after some good work in the forwards. Kauri soon added his second penalty of the day.

Norwich got one back when all but one Beccles player completely stopped playing as an opposition player ran 50 metres almost uncontested for the try. This gave Beccles the wake-up call they needed, going on to terrorise the Lions’ defence, Keith Johnstone doing the gritty work up front, whilst Blair Hannam showed some nice footwork.

Harrison bagged his second of the day, showing pace down the wing and strength when it came to finishing it off. Holtzer also got his second try and Kauri added another with a show and go that left him untouched.

Beccles have one more game left against Wymondham II on Saturday before they proceed into the phase two part of the season. Here they will compete against teams from two other regional leagues to see who gets promoted into London North Three.

Man-of-the-match was shared by Johnstone and Bonner.

The second team were able to field a full strong squad but unfortunately Thetford II called off. This week the seconds travel to Lakenham Hewett.

Beccles U14s had their toughest test of the season against a strong North Walsham squad. After going down early the boys fought back to lead at the break 12-10. Some super team tries from both sides saw the score close until the end, with Beccles defending their line superbly at the end to seal a 31-29.

Coach Alan Cooper said: “It was a super win for the boys, they are a super bunch of lads who are so eager to learn and develop as players and a team.”

Forward of the day: Scott Dyer, back of the day: Charlie Block, opposition MoM pick: Niall Smith, parents’ player pick: Josh Allard.