Beccles had their longest trip of the season to Cottenham Renegades near Cambridge and snatched a late try to come away with a draw.

They were missing a few front five regulars but still travelled with a strong team.

With the wind behind them in the first half Cottenham opened up an early lead with a couple of penalties.

Beccles gradually began to find a foothold in the game and after a number of phases were awarded a penalty five metres out. The fast thinking Kauri took it quickly and went over for his side’s opening score and then added the conversion. Beccles continued the good work and when Hannam found space in the Cottenham defence he went over for another score, Kauri again adding the extras.

However, Beccles then had poor spell and Cottenham were able to add two tries and another penalty to go in at half-time leading 21-14.

Beccles started the second half well and a driven line-out allowed Kauri to break off into acres of space and score his second try in the corner, with his conversion attempt striking the post.

Beccles lost Hannam to a head injury and Kauri to the sin bin as the big Cottenham pack began to turn the screw and they added two more tries to give themselves a 12-point lead with a quarter of the game left.

Beccles gave it one last big push and after a number of drives Adams burrowed his way over from short range. Kauri again struck the upright with another conversion from the touch line.

Beccles were seven points behind with time running out and number of phases of attacking play ended with a knock on. Cottenham just needed to keep possession for a minute and clear the ball to win but as they attempted this Johnstone was on hand to make the turnover. The ball was fed out to man of the match Bonner who crashed over for the try. This left Kauri with a tricky conversion to tie the game up with the last kick and he showed no nerves to slot it home.

Beccles now sit four points clear at the top of the table at the half way point and with four games to go they will be looking to secure promotion and the league title. They have a week off before the visit of Cottenham on March 23.

After the disappointment of losing 7-0 to Wymondham in the cup semi-final Beccles Under-14s hit back with a 10-7 win over Swaffham.

After a even first half Beccles pulled away with two quick tries following some powerful surges from the pack. The home team bounced back quickly with a fine team try and piled on the pressure the last 10 minutes but Beccles held firm.

Coach Alan Cooper said: “We’ve been wanting to be tested all season and the past two weeks we’ve certainly had that. Our developing team has learnt plenty through these experiences.”