28th April 2002 - Southern League Finals Day at Ashford
This week was the finale of the season for Beccehamian Ladies as they took part in the Southern League finals day tournament hosted this year by Ashford Ladies. Four teams from the league took part, Ashford, Aylesford, Hastings and Beccehamians with East Grinstead and Thanet Wanderers unfortunately not available.
It turned out to be a very enjoyable day of rugby, with each team playing each other in a 30 minute, 10 a-side match.
Vs Aylesford
First up for Beccehamians were league leaders Aylesford who were in their normal sparkling form. Playing 10 a-side meant there was more space than normal to run around in and Aylesford made good use of this to begin their scoring run. Beccehamians performed well though and although unable to score put in a solid performance which improved significantly in the second-half. The final score was 38-0 to Aylesford which reflects the progress Aylesford have made over the year. However Beccs can take heart, being in exactly the same position that Aylesford were last year, about to join the South East Division 5 Merit League.
Vs Hastings
Next up for Beccehamians were Hastings, who had pulled out of the match against Beccs last week and so finished one place above them in the League. Beccehamians were therefore ready for this match and put on a good passionate display. It was a hard fought match with some great tackles being put in and Beccs ladies came out on top scoring two tries and a conversion and nil'ing Hastings to win the match 12-0. This was a particularly satisfying result having not been able to play the week before.
Vs Ashford
The final match of the day for Beccehamians was against the hosts, Ashford whom Beccs had beaten only a couple of weeks earlier. However it was Ashford who were out to get revenge and this was a very tight match with many changes in possession and some hard-fought rucks to get the ball back. At the end of what was a tiring day of rugby, it was Ashford who came through to win, scoring four tries to Beccs two, the final score being 22-10 to Ashford. Beccehamians were disappointed with this result having felt they could (and really should!) have taken this one.
Results
So - after a hot bath and some food and refreshment in the club-house, the final results were announced. Run-away winners were of course, Aylesford who scored over 100 points during the day and conceded absolutely nothing to anyone. Ashford, Hastings and Beccehamians had all won one match and so it was points difference that counted. This mean that Ashford just pipped Beccs to second place, with Beccs finishing third and Hastings bringing up the rear to collect the wooden spoon.
1st - Aylesford
2nd - Ashford
3rd - Beccehamians
4th - Hastings
Altogether a very enjoyable day playing good rugby followed by some relaxation and banter in the club-house afterwards. It was agreed that the Southern League had again reached and surpassed its objectives in providing a friendly and informal platform for local clubs to develop their skills and their team and aid their progress and performance in the National Merit Leagues. And it was therefore agreed that the League should again continue next season.
Beccehamian Team
Forwards:
Jo Henson (prop), Sarah Henson (2nd row), Amy Hooton (2nd row), Gill Horn (hooker), Sam Howe (prop), Kelly Malynn (flanker/no 8.), Jules May (flanker), Angela Stark (flanker), Alex Tyson (2nd row),
Backs:
Karen Benham (centre), Shannon Fisher (centre), Charlotte Henry (wing), Louise Thomas (Captain & fly-half), Hannah Tyson (wing/full-back)
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