Beccles maintained their good form to beat Hadleigh 47-15 in a top of the table clash and take a step towards promotion.

Hadleigh were unbeaten in 15 games his season but failed to take a point at Beef Meadow as the hosts moved two points clear at top of the Shield.

Beccles captain Leigh Gedney was out due to injury, with Tris Holtzer doing a splendid job as temporary skipper.

It didn’t take more than five minutes for Temm Kauri to show off some individual brilliance, fending off a couple of players and running through for an early try. The second try soon followed as some good support and opportunistic play led to Stephan Holmes going over.

With their heads down, Hadleigh conceded two more tries before the half ended to stretch the leadto 28-0. Captain Holtzer grabbed one with a great finish and Kauri got his second after a good line break from fellow Kiwi Blair Hannam.

Hadleigh came out guns blazing after the break and quickly pulled a try back. The pressure kept being put on Beccles and they were soon down to 14 men due to a yellow card, Hadleigh capitalised, breaking through a resilient s defence after 20 plus phases to get their second try. Beccles found themselves briefly down to 13 men because of another yellow card, leading to another try being conceded.

However, Beccles managed to regain their shape through solid lineouts and excellent work-rate by hooker Seb Morton and second-row Holmes. Kauri managed to go over for his hat-trick and wingers Ryan Barret and Tom Harrison both grabbed one apiece. Despite a continual threat from the Hadleigh centres, Beccles did not give up a fourth try, meaning that Hadleigh would not gain a bonus point.

Kauri finished with five out of six conversions, also picking up man of the match due to his all-round brilliant play. Harrison added a long distance conversion at the end of the game.

The next game for Beccles is on March 2 against Newmarket away.

Meanwhile Beccles Under-14s won 41-10 at Norwich Under-14s. They started strongly with two early tries but the host soon used their sizable pack to obtain good territory but the green defence held firm. It was Beccles who finished the first half stronger with two good team tries.

After the break the home team came alive and scored two quick tries but Beccles had the final say match with three super tries out wide following some powerful forward surges.

Forward player of day was Owen Woods, back player of day Jake Bailey and parents’ player of day Codi Fisk.