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5:31pm Tuesday 8th April 2008

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Beckenham Seconds 47-5 Thanet Wanderers

BECKENHAM'S second string enjoyed a comprehensive win on Saturday in their final Invicta Merit table game against Thanet Wanderers, a result which confirmed them as champions.

The reserves have suffered just three defeats all season in the league and outscored their opponents by eight tries to one.

Pick of the eight came with the final score, which started in the Beckenham 22.

The ball was moved quickly through hands and Gareth Mahoney made a break.

He released the ball in a tackle to keep it alive before it then moved through four or five pairs of hands, including open side Robert Todd who was impressive all game in his support play.

Mahoney, showing good support and fitness, appeared on the outside to take the pass to score wide on the left.

New recruit Mark Barber, who had switched from fly-half to centre at half-time, showed his considerable ability with the boot to claim the conversion which bounced twice on the crossbar before going over.

Beckenham have no games left in Invicta because their final round opponents Lordswood have withdrawn from the league and they can't be caught by the chasing pack.

This result and the championship is a credit to the coaching team and Duncan McGrory in particular, who has dedicated himself to the seconds this season.

The playing committee's decision to treat the seconds like the first team, including the provision of physio support on Saturdays, has paid dividends and gives the club a platform to build on for next season.

This Sunday sees the seconds take on Charlton Park's first team in the semi-final of the Kent Plate, kick-off 3pm.

The game will be played at HSBC's ground because Beckenham's home ground, Balmoral Avenue, is the venue for the Kent under-16s sevens tournament.

Meanwhile, Beckenham's first team travel to relegated Sevenoaks looking for their 10th win of the league campaign and the chance to move up the table.