A FIRST-HALF hat-trick from Williamson put Beccles on the way to an opening-day victory in London Division Three North East against Wymondham. After a few poor away performances cost Beccles promotion last year, this was a good start to the season.

A FIRST-HALF hat-trick from Williamson put Beccles on the way to an opening-day victory in London Division Three North East against Wymondham.

After a few poor away performances cost Beccles promotion last year, this was a good start to the season.

This week Beccles have their first home game of the season (kick-off 3pm) where they take on local rivals Lowestoft and Yarmouth.

Lowestoft and Yarmouth were promoted to this league last season and Beccles will be looking to show them how difficult it can be in this league.

Wymondham 15, Beccles 26

Beccles opened their campaign with an away win.

Beccles were able to field a near full strength side for the game. Captain Murray could only make the bench on his return from injury. Rowney took his place at full-back and Hinsley took over as captain for the day.

Beccles started the game well and were soon in front.

Lake broke off the back of a ruck and cantered through the Wymondham defence. He passed to Geyser who was supporting well and he fed Williamson who scored out wide. Wade added the conversion.

Beccles were on top in the scrum and kept their opposition under pressure. When Wymondham were forced to clear their lines Rowney took the ball at full-back.

He jinked his way down the wing, beating a number of defenders.

He then passed inside to Williamson who sprinted clear to score in the corner. Wade just missed a difficult conversion.

Williamson completed his hat-trick after another superb run by Rowney down the wing. Williamson received the ball and scored in the same corner.

This time Wade nailed the kick and the half time score was 0-19.

With a neck injury to one of the Wymondham players just before half time they second half was played on the next pitch as the injured player was treated.

Wymondham upped their efforts in the second half and some of the Beccles play became a bit sloppy.

Wymondham were quickly on the score sheet with a penalty. They then scored a try from a rolling maul after Beccles had conceded a number of penalties.

Wymondham were looking to stage a comeback but a fourth Beccles try killed them off. This try was a wonderful individual effort from Rowney. He collected a kick in his own 22 and proceeded to dance between eight Wymondham tackles before sprinting clear to score in the corner.

This try capped a Musker McIntyre man-of- the-match performance. Wade added another long-range kick to complete an excellent kicking performance.

A mix-up in the Beccles defence left a big hole which Wymondham went through to score another try but time was against them.

Beccles thought they had scored again when a Hoffman effort was ruled out after Sale was adjudged to have impeded the tackler.

At the final whistle the score was 15-26 to mark a good start to the season for Beccles.