Beckenham Men 1st XV
Matches
Sat 15 Sep 2018  ·  London 2 South East
Horsham
Tries: D Nwachukwu, T Blewitt, J StegglesConversions: T Johnson (2)Penalties: T Johnson
22
50
Beckenham Rugby Football Club
Beckenham Men 1st XV
Tries: E Ikediashi (3), C Thomson, K Orelaja (2), G Hixson, J SmithConversions: L Richards (5)Yellow Carded: H Laud-Anderson
8 of the best as Beckenham come away with a bonus point win against Horsham

8 of the best as Beckenham come away with a bonus point win against Horsham

Michael Timms17 Sep 2018 - 08:22
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.beckenhamrfc.com/t

Level 2 of 22 completed.

Following impressive results on the opening weekend from both Horsham and Beckenham against sides coming down from London 1, this encounter was set up to be a high scoring affair –and both teams provided a fantastic game of rugby. The newly installed 4G pitch and sunny conditions giving both teams the opportunity to play an expansive game.

Beckenham started the game started the game strongly. Utilizing their useful driving maul to allow Ebenezer Ikediashi to get his first try of the game, with Louis Richards adding the extras. Beckenham were again on top when Horsham replied. A break from Beckenham in the midfield, saw an opportunity squandered. From the fumble, Horsham worked the ball wide, shipping it out to their in form winger Declan Nwachukwu, who finished well to cap of a well worked counter attack.

The game was even at this point. Beckenham struggled to get to grips with the referees interpretation at the breakdown and gave away a number of penalties in the first 30 minutes. Horsham had shown early dominance at the scrum but strong scrum from the blue and gold gave new recruit and number 8 James Blackmore the platform to pick down the blind, drawing the defense to create the gap for Vice-captain Craig Thomson, who has a clear run into the corner. Louis Richards was on hand to slot the conversion. In the 35th minute saw the try of the game. Great phase play in the midfield, drew the defense. The play was switched to the blindside and quick hands from Liam Markey and Keita Orelaja put Ebenezer Ikediashi into space, from 50 meters out the second row smashed his way through 4 Horsham defenders to power over in the corner. Louis Richards hitting the post with the conversion. As the game progressed Beckenham still struggled with the referee at the breakdown and an infringement allowed Horsham the chance to claw back 3 points through Tom Johnson, who had a great game off the tee.

Just on the stroke of half time, Hans Laud-Anderson was pinged for ill-discipline at the breakdown and with the offences accumulating, he was given a yellow card. Leaving Beckenham down to 14 men, leading 7-17 at HT.

The second half Beckenham really started to assert their dominance straight from the kick off. Man of the match Keita Orelaja touching down under the posts after a barnstorming 40 meter break from James Cleverly. This was then shortly followed by Ebenezer Ikediashi scoring his hatrick. Beckenham again utilizing the short side well, with Louis Richards popping an inside ball to Eb who smashed through 3 defenders to score and secure Beckenham a well-deserved bonus point. Richards adding the 2 points to make it 10-31. As with the first half however, Horsham again to their testament came back strongly with a well worked try of their own. A sustained period of pressure in Beckenham’s 22 saw full back Tom Blewitt go over the line after a well worked move. With the 2 points again added by the center.

With the bonus point in hand KK then produced one of the other moments of the match. Taking the ball from a standstill he glided through the Horsham defense and showed a clean pair off heals to outpace the covering defenders to finish off his superb solo effort under the sticks. Louis Richards converting. With Beckenham really starting to hit their stride it was only a matter of time before another score came. Second row Josh Smith made a midfield break drawing the defender before gifting George Hixson a try on his return to the side.

With Beckenham in the ascendancy Horsham managed to nick a third try after an initial intercept was followed up by great support play and handling by Josh Steggles who finished off another well worked counter attack. It was Beckenham nonetheless who would have the final say of the day. Josh Smith this time benefiting from the powerful Beckenham maul to go over with 5 minutes to go. Liam Markey maybe questioning why the ball had not made its way back to him…..

FT Horsham 22 – 50 Beckenham

A fantastic result for Beckenham who last season failed to beat Horsham in either the home or away fixture. However the coaches and players are well aware that this was not the perfect performance and there are plenty of work ons which will need to be addressed. The side now look onto next week with our first home game against newly promoted Thanet Wanderers as we aim to make it 3 from 3 at Balmoral Avenue. Thanks to all those supporters who travelled down to Horsham to cheer us on, it doesn’t go un-noticed and we hope to see you and many more at home next weekend!

Finally thank you to Horsham who played there part in a great game of rugby! A team that will surely be competing near the top of the table come the end of the season. Fantastic hospitality after the game as always as well.

Match details

Match date

Sat 15 Sep 2018

Kickoff

15:00

Location

Competition

London 2 South East

League position

1
Beckenham
4
Horsham
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

1st XV Sponsor - The Elm Tree
1st XV & Club Sponsor - LMG Building Services Ltd
Sponsor - Tyler's Sportswear
Sponsor - Ashfold Consulting Ltd
Sponsor - Wise Insurance
Sponsor - Rhodes Plumbing & Heating
Club Sponsor - Patrick's
Club Charity Partner - Caspa
Club Charity Partner - 02E