Becks recovery seals unlikely win

5:13pm Tuesday 15th April 2008

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Sevenoaks 19-30 Beckenham

THIS was a game of two halves because in the first, Beckenham were poor and allowed already relegated Sevenoaks to play a game which suited them.

In the second, Beckenham improved and in keeping the ball alive, gave themselves every chance to score.

With the benefit of the wind, Sevenoaks took play back in to the away side's 22.

From one of these attacks, one of the many penalties awarded against Beckenham was given.

The kick taken by stand-off Campbell and went through the middle for a 3-0 lead.

Sevenoaks then scored a good converted try through winger Scott, whose pace and jinking run took him thorough several weak tackles.

More penalties followed and Campbell tucked them all away.

When eventually Beckenham attacked and a decision went their way, it was reversed when a frustrated Andy Martin committed a yellow card offence after the whistle. Strangely after this, Becks took the game to the heart of Sevenoaks territory but they could not find the final pass.

After an angry half-time team talk and changes to the pack, Beckenham came out to play.

Pete Issac, who seems to break tackles at will, took the ball over for the first of his two tries.

Issac then scored his next converted try after Thorne, having his usual big game at second row, created turnover ball which was moved quickly.

Burtenshaw then kicked a penalty to make the score 19-15 with less than 10 minutes of the half gone.

Aylward then scored the try of the game.

Beckenham's pack showed the handling skills of backs and in keeping the ball alive, made space for their openside to go over for a score which, even without the extras, moved the visitors into the lead.

Two more tries followed, one for Burtensaw and another from a quick tap penalty by livewire scrum half Julian Rogers.

In truth, more could have been scored but nobody from Beckenham was complaining.

It is not everyday a 19-0 deficit is turned into a 30-19 win.

Head coach Sam Howard said: "It was a great second half display.

"We put what we planned to do into practice, kept the ball alive, didn't go to floor and got our reward."

Beckenham's final home league game is this Saturday is against Guildford, kick-off 3pm.