Braintree 48, Beccles 0

RUGBY: Beccles suffered a heavy defeat when they travelled to high-flying Braintree in their first league game of the new year.

The visitors came up against a well-drilled Braintree team and conceded regularly to lose by 48-0.

This was a hard game for Beccles against the top-of-the-table side and was the start of three tough games against the three sides at the top of the league.

They entertain Romford on Saturday and will be looking for an improved performance and to pick up their first points of 2011.

Beccles were missing Rix, Rob Wilson and Hinsley from the back row. Maeer and Pennington played on the flanks and new signing from Hungary, Attila Baksza, came in for his debut at number eight.

In the backs Rayner was missing from full-back and was replaced by Gedney.

Braintree started the game well and were soon in front.

The Beccles pack were struggling in the scrum against a competent Braintree unit.

This meant Beccles had little ball and Braintree were able to keep them under pressure.

Braintree scored regularly and at half time they lead by 31-0.

The hosts scored again at the start of the second half but then Beccles began to put some better rugby together. Beccles were able to move out of their own half and began to creaate some moves.

They had a few chances but could not get themselves on the score sheet.

New signing Baksza made some good tackles and carried the ball well and was named as Musker McIntyre man of the match.

The score remained the same for most of the second half until Braintree added two late tries to give a final score of 48-0.