Sunday 2 October saw the Ladies 2XV make their first away trip of the season, with an epic journey across London on marathon day to Kilburn. And it was to be a marathon, not a sprint, for the players - injuries and availability had depleted numbers to just ten players on the Beckenham side, so this would be a test of their determination and resolve.

The first points went to Kilburn, who added the extras to start the scoreline at 7-0. Within a few minutes though, Beckenham had responded with a score of their own, with back three player Kirstie Long, playing well out of her comfort zone in the second row (!), crossing the whitewash for Beckenham's first of the game: 7-5.

After some back and forth on what felt like an impossibly wide pitch with 10-a-side, the hosts took their second score, this time unconverted, bringing the score to 12-5. It wasn't long before centre Toni West powered her way across the line to make it 12-10, and then a few minutes later crossed again for her second of the game and putting Beckenham ahead for the first time, just before the half time whistle: 12-15.

No changes at the break - of course! - and as the second half got underway, Beckenham were first out of the blocks with another run from Kirstie to score her second try, converted by Beth Pickernell who had a storming game in the unfamiliar 9 shirt: 12-22.

Kilburn were able to make the most of their bench and fresh players, and very swiftly retaliated with their own converted try to bring the difference back to just three points again: 19-22.

Beckenham were determined, with the depleted pack of Jo Jones, Katie Skelly (captain), Laura Harvey and Anna Gilmour (making her debut) putting in the hard yards and the hard hits all over the park against a very physical Kilburn side. Their efforts were not in vain, as winger Scarlett Reynolds flew over for her first league try, bringing the score to 19-27.

A scorching run from Toni the whole length of the pitch saw her certain to score her third, but perhaps sensing the jug that she would have had to buy for a hat trick, wisely fumbled the ball over the line and saved her wallet. Beth, seemingly determined that someone should buy a jug that day, swiftly scored two tries of her own but missed that elusive third, to the delight of livers everywhere. Beth's efforts had brought the scoreline to 19-37, a phenomenal feat for the battered Beckenham players.

As the time ticked away, Kilburn scored their fourth try with a powerful run in under the posts, with the extras added, but despite substantial pressure in the dying minutes the stretched Beckenham line held out and the referee blew her whistle for full time: 26-37.

A heroic effort from the Beckenham players across the board. Special mentions go to Anna who put in a dominant performance at prop in her first ever game of rugby, to Scarlett for her first try in competition, to Kirstie for making the unlikely leap from winger to lock, to Immy Cliff for her ferocity in defence and to half backs Beth Pickernell and Dave Mills for their leadership and control of the game.

Forward of the match: Katie Skelly
Back of the match: Toni West