Sidcup 22 v Beckenham 18

......Sidcup managed to overhaul a ten point deficit to beat Beckenham at Crescent Farm on Saturday by 2 goals, a try and a penalty goal to a goal, a try and 2 penalty goals.

Beckenham have always provided difficult opposition for Sidcup since the start of the leagues and, on a still, drab afternoon, the game began as though past results were going to be an indication of future performance. Beckenham had the advantage of the slope in the first half and immediately went onto the attack, Chivers kicking a penalty in the first minute. Two minutes later they nearly scored again and were only foiled by good covering by Steven Evans. Sidcup’s attacks were few and far between although Nick Gilbert and Jamie Cutler combined to create an opportunity for Richard Roddis but the winger was forced into touch just short of the line.

Beckenham extended their lead after fifteen minutes when a break through mid-field was supported by hooker Ed Turner who touched down by the posts leaving Chivers an easy kick. Although Jim Hardy reduced the deficit a couple of minutes later with a penalty from forty five yards, Sidcup were not having a happy time. Beckenham were finding holes in the defence and were dealing with the Sidcup driving maul with ease.

Referee Mr Goatcher was exceptionally vigilant at rucks and it was no surprise when he produced a card for visiting wing forward Scott Spurgeon although even the normally cyclopic home supporters considered that the decision was a little harsh. However all Sidcup could make of the player advantage was a good break from a ruck by Clarke although the move petered out ten yards from the line through lack of support. It smelt as though it was only going to be a matter of time before a Sidcup player was sent to the thinking corner and Julian Poff became the card’s recipient. With half time approaching, Beckenham made use of their advantage. Following a free kick at a scrum on the Sidcup line, a couple of drives were repelled but at the expense of a penalty under the posts which Chivers kicked.

Half time arrived with Sidcup ten points down, a player in the bin and, despite some excellent defending close to the line, what was generally a most disappointing performance. It looked as though things were going to improve when a Beckenham kick in the twenty two was charged down but the ball was held up over the line. Beckenham seemed certain to extend their lead following a break from their twenty two but the final pass on the halfway line was forward. Sidcup were still under pressure and a drive to the line nearly succeeded although the visitors were awarded a scrum. At the scrum Richard Clarke was held and, although his reaction to this might have gained the approval of Smokin’ Joe Frazier, Mr Goatcher was, quite rightly, less impressed and Sidcup were going to have to play the remaining twenty five minutes or so with fourteen players.

Cutler moved to scrum half to replace Clarke and Hardy moved to stand off. Hardy’s first act in his new position was to scythe through the Beckenham defence, the break was carried on by Richard Day and, from a ruck Roddis came from the opposite wing to send Gavin McRae over in the right corner. Three minutes later Hardy, once again cut through the defence and, this time, found Cutler in support and he touched down by the posts for Hardy to convert.

Beckenham were stung by these reverses and returned to the attack. Twice they seemed likely to score and it required exceptionally determined defence to prevent them re-taking the lead. Another dangerous move was halted by an excellent tackle by Day. Eventually Sidcup managed to turn over a Beckenham driving maul and Poff stormed out of defence with a run covering over fifty yards; the play eventually ending with a Sidcup line-out in the Beckenham twenty two. At last Sidcup managed to get their driving maul going and it rumbled over the line with Cutler holding the ball. Hardy put Sidcup more than a score ahead with a dozen minutes remaining.

Back came Beckenham. They camped in the Sidcup twenty two. A series of driving mauls and pick and drives were repelled initially but, with five minutes left the forwards crashed over. The kick missed and so Sidcup were more than a penalty goal ahead. In fact the last five minutes passed without any further alarm and a victory, which had seemed unlikely at one point, was achieved despite nearly half the match being played with fourteen players.

The spectators at Crescent Farm have had more than their fair share of excitement this season. So far, the side has shown a capacity to play for eighty minutes which has not always been evident in the past. It is to be hoped that the intensity shown in the last quarter of games be shown for the whole game and supporters might be able to get to the end of a game with fingernails left. However the determination and never-say-die attitude has been impressive (if that’s not tempting providence). Jamie Cutler and Jim Hardy had a huge influence on the result as a make-shift half-back pairing. Richard Day, Callum Thomson and Gavin McRae defended heroically in the second half. The pack, showing a number of changes from the Basingstoke victory had to work hard against very good opponents but stuck to their task well. Danny Mizen stepped up to prop and Mike Elliott moved up to the second row. Peter Grayson was welcomed back from injury for the first time this season. In fact, with five back row forwards in the scrum- any three of which are a formidable combination, it showcased just how much strength Sidcup has in this area.

This Saturday Sidcup visit Hove. Apparently the sides have met before but your Correspondent has no recollection of the match. There may not be a report next week as Mrs Correspondent has decided that she wants to attend the Captain’s Ball at the Golf Club which, despite the enquiry of a notable Past-President (of course all Past Presidents are notable), is not a November open air ball. Any volunteers who wish to have a go at the report would be welcomed. It might suit someone about to apply to university who wishes to practice their Personal Statement- the normal match reports have about as much truth in them as these do.