Beckenham comprehensively beaten by KCS

Saturday saw the clash of two former heavyweights and champions of their own right. A Rugby Super Cup fixture some might say- the hosts, landslide winners of London 2 South West vs Beckenham, last years' winners of London 2 South East, with both teams looking to find their feet in London 1 South.

Early exchanges between the two sides were tentative, doing their best to get a foothold in the game early doors. However, due to Beckenham’s inability to keep hold of the ball in the early stages, the first blood was drawn by King’s, capitalising on Beckenham’s lethargy. Scoring from the scrum, the ball was spread to the 10 who danced his way over the try line. 0 - 7

The stupor continues and Beckenham struggled to get a hold of the game and were chasing the tails of Kings. Quick exchanges put Beckenham on the back foot, along with spreading the ball wide. Only a matter of time before Kings put their winger over in the corner 0 -14
Their backs were efficient at using the ball in the wider areas and isolating defenders, with their next from a quick tap penalty with their opposite winger dotting down for his first of the game. 0-21

Reeling from Kings’ fast start, Beckenham started to exert a bit of pressure on the game. Straight from kick-off, their defence enticed the on rushing Kings players to force a turnover by stand-in captain for the day, Hans Laud-Anderson. An exquisite 45m kick curled over the upright by the Louis Richards. 3-21

A breath of life was needed for Beckenham. Slowly, they began to apply pressure and use the ball. However, not capitalising on the pressure was a common theme. The ball was eventually coughed up and recycled by Kings, finished by their 15. 3-28.

It finally started to click for Beckenham and they finally wanted to keep hold of the ball. Good ball retention in open play moved us up the field. Beckenham finally got to push Kings back with their dominant pack utilising their efficient catch and drive, expertly marshalled by James Blackmore. Strong carries from George Baker and Josh Smith, and the result – sucking in Kings defenders, the ball was spread out to no. 13 George Hixson cutting an incisive line to bowl him over the line. 10-28

The rest of the half saw Beckenham make a series of bad decisions and their inability to look after the ball ultimately cost them and saw Kings score one more before the end of the half

Half time 10 – 35

Fast start from Kings gifted a score seconds in the 2nd half, with their no.8 finishing a well worked score from the kick off. 10 -43.
Next passage of play saw Beckenham wake up from their 40 minute catnap. Putting together a series of phases that were reminiscent of the Beckenham we are all used to seeing. All the boys to coming together to create true poetry in motion. Strong forwards runs from the ever-present Ebenezer Ikediashi, Macaulee Beard and James Blackmore to give the go forward. Finally recycled by Craig Thomson and stand in 10, Ebenezer put in the onrushing BJ Tarbie through a gap for score next to the posts. 17 – 43.

The rest of the 2nd half saw a ding dong battle between the two teams. Beckenham, again struggling to get into the game, with a multitude of unforced errors and Kings lapping them up to put them to the sword

The final score 17-55

A fine performance by the home side, who were more than deserving winners. We look forward to welcoming them to Balmoral Avenue later in the season. This coming Saturday we welcome London Cornish to Balmoral Avenue, with Beckenham looking to get off the mark in London 1!